Doctors call for proper consultation


Difficult situation: Doctors are calling for fairer work arrangements. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry should not waste any more time in coming up with a workable solution to ease overwork among government doctors, especially in refining the proposed work arrangement under WBB (Waktu Bekerja Berlainan), says the Malaysia Medical Association Section Concerning House Officers, Medical (MMA Schomos).

In a statement on Facebook yesterday, MMA Schomos criticised the Health Ministry over its decision to hold a three-day retreat to deliberate on issues concerning doctors, following the failure of a hastily convened “town hall” to address concerns raised by healthcare workers, who roundly criticised the proposed WBB over the past few days.

Yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said under WBB, working hours will be reduced from 99 to 72 hours a week to ensure medical officers and specialists are not overworked.

Dzulkefly said the WBB implementation will be discussed in detail during the retreat that ends today.

In a Facebook post, MMA Schomos said it was aware of the Health Ministry’s decision to conduct a retreat, where deliberation on the WBB shift system will occur, among others.

“This move comes after widespread dissatisfaction expressed during the recent townhall, which failed to address critical concerns.

“It is important to highlight that the townhall, called within a 24-hour notice, was not a stakeholder consultation in the true sense, but a fait accompli situation that was top-down in nature, during which most comments and questions were unanswered and unresolved.

“The following points must be given serious consideration, namely halting the rollout of WBB, on-call allowance issue, workforce distribution, transparent and inclusive policy-making and income loss for healthcare workers,” said MMA Schomos, which called for a suspension of WBB along with a thorough stakeholder consultation, especially with junior medical officers, a group that will be the most impacted by the policy, and for specialists to ensure the system is practical and does not exacerbate existing issues.

“Recognise that the current workforce distribution cannot support reduced working hours without compromising patient care. It is important to note that doctors at present also work 45 hours, and the only difference is the number of calls which always depend on manpower availability.

“Any planned idea must revolve around the ability to finally implement it to the benefit of all doctors and patients, and not in a piecemeal manner,” said MMA Schomos, which further stated that the proposed increase in on-call allowance, limited to WBB weekend shifts, is insufficient and unfair to doctors not included in the WBB system.

“The quantum of allowances for all doctors must be increased as called for and implemented across all facilities. All benefits should be the same for everyone,” said the grouping.

On the equitable distribution of healthcare workers, MMA Schomos stated that it is essential to conduct a comprehensive audit of staffing needs, factoring in population, hospital workloads, and most importantly, the norms for each service.

“Put such information on a transparent dashboard accessible to the public.

“The ministry should avoid making unilateral decisions without input from the ground. Stakeholder consultations should allow for meaningful input, rather than serve as a mere formality.

“Under WBB, weekday shifts that extend beyond regular hours are treated as part of the 45-hour workweek, leading to income loss for doctors. MOH must address this financial disparity and ensure no healthcare worker suffers an income reduction due to the new system,” said MMA Schomos in reiterating that its members are not against reforms or improving work-life balance.

“Reforms must enhance the system rather than demoralise the very professionals it relies upon, and also not impact patient care.

“We stand ready to assist in developing pragmatic solutions to improve our healthcare system for the benefit of all.”

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

PPKM offer letters conditional, revocable if criteria not met - MOT
1MDB trial: Najib was thrilled over late Saudi King’s financial aid, says ex-envoy
Two Taiwanese men charged with trafficking firearms, possession of ammunition
Israel must bear the US$100bil financial cost of rebuilding Gaza, says Erdogan
Missing teen found drowned in Kota Belud
Johor sees sharp week-on-week rise in flu-like illnesses
Smart agriculture eases farming tasks, attracts new entrants - Gobind
58 police reports lodged over vending machine investment scam
Motorcyclist nabbed for obstructing officials during Penang Bridge op
Man jailed four years for extorting elderly woman

Others Also Read