KUALA LUMPUR: The allowance for locums in public healthcare facilities is to be paid immediately and retained at RM80 per hour, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said the matter that had caused distress among doctors who do locum hours at public healthcare facilities is now resolved.
“We have finally received approval from the government to pay all doctors who put in locum hours at public healthcare facilities to be paid RM80 per hour immediately.
“This is good news and the payments will be processed immediately. We consider this matter resolved with this announcement,” Dzulkefly said after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Health Ministry and IHH Healthcare to extend care to 500 cancer patients in the latter’s hospitals nationwide.
Previously, doctors who did locum at public healthcare facilities had lamented that they were not getting their dues despite the extra hours on Saturdays and public holidays.
The ministry stated last year that these officers who were ordered to be on duty on Saturdays and public holidays were eligible for locum allowance. Those who work on Sundays between 9am and 1pm could apply for leave replacement with the approval of their department heads.
