PETALING JAYA: Political leaders from both sides of the divide are calling on the Health Minister to halt the implementation of a new work arrangement called Waktu Bekerja Berlainan (WBB) that the ministry claims will lead to better work-life balance for healthcare workers.
Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, a medical doctor with his own private practice, called on the Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad to take action against those who formulated WBB without the minister’s knowledge.
“Under WBB, there are shifts whereby the doctors have to begin work at 3pm, and will only clock out at 9am the next day - this means the doctor works for 18 hours straight. During that period, the doctor would only be regarded as on normal working hours - not being on-call.
“I would like to know who created this system, and I would also like to thank Dzulkefly, who stated that this system was never referred to him.
“However, the circular is already out, and WBB was presented to the Public Service Department last December. How will it be then? We (doctors) ask that the system be halted.
“How can you appreciate doctors in this way? More doctors will leave the civil service tomorrow. I ask the minister to take action against the one who designed the system,” said Dr Muhammad Akmal on Facebook.
MCA vice-president Datuk Lawrence Low stated that WBB will likely exacerbate public apprehension and deter individuals from pursuing careers in the medical field.
“It is unjust to withhold allowances for those working 18-hour shifts.
“If this system is implemented, it will undeniably have a negative impact on the medical workers themselves, patients, and the country’s healthcare system,” said Low, who added the system will cause physical and mental strain on doctors, leading to a decline in service quality, and be a disincentive to work.
“Can they effectively treat patients while grappling with mental fatigue?
“If the government fails to provide overtime allowances or incentives, it will demotivate healthcare workers, ultimately compromising the overall quality of the healthcare system,” said Low.
PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden called on the government to establish an independent Health Service Commission to ensure policies for the health sector are more rooted in reality.
“This policy requires a thorough re-examination. As frontline workers who serve tirelessly, the welfare and fairness for government doctors must be a priority. The government cannot merely adhere to the guidelines set by JPA without understanding the realities of the doctors’ work, which differ significantly from other public sectors.
“The issue of unequal ‘on-call’ allowances and the unfair rate setting between units practising WBB and those that do not, is unacceptable.
“The RM9/hour rate is clearly disproportionate to the intensity and risks associated with the doctors’ work, bordering on an insult to their sacrifices.
“An independent commission will ensure that policies and frameworks for the health sector align better with the reality of doctors’ work.
“I would like to remind the government that the welfare of doctors is not merely a technical issue, but also involves moral and ethical aspects,” said Afnan.
