Health Ministry seeks delay and discussion of nurses’ 45-hour work week
KUALA LUMPUR: With just days to go – before a controversial 45-hour work week is implemented for healthcare workers, the Health Ministry is rushing to seek a win-win solution.
The ministry is looking to hold discussions with the Public Services Department (JPA) over the proposal which has caused much discontent among the workers.
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“We intend, and are appealing to be granted a moratorium on the matter, so we can implement the requested work hours while taking into account the welfare and workloads of shift workers,” Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic) said.
In his winding-up speech in Parliament yesterday, he said the ministry was also seeking to clarify the need to increase the working hours from 42-hours to 45-hours.
He said many are already working beyond 45 hours, even under the current system.
“In reality, they are already working more than the required working hours, without taking into account their break times and more.
“I am very concerned over the potential increase in workload and will continue negotiating with JPA,” he said.
He also stressed that the 45-hour system must not bring additional workload to the staff.
“We want a win-win situation,” he added.
Dzulkefly said he also held engagements with related worker unions to obtain comprehensive feedback on the implementation of the new system.
He noted that a moratorium was also previously granted to the ministry by JPA.
The proposal, which was due to be implemented in December last year was postponed to March 1, for preparations in the implementation of the 45-hour work system.
Earlier in February, the ministry said it would hold nationwide engagement sessions before making a final decision on implementing the 45-hour work week for shift-based staff, including nurses, assistant medical officers and ambulance drivers
Various health groups as well as the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Health has also urged the ministry to put off plans to implement the 45-hour work week for shift workers.
On another matter, Dzulkefly said 3,228 nurses with diploma qualifications from domestic institutions will join the ministry this year.
He added that there was a global shortage of nurses, noting how the Philippines was once the main supplier of nurses but now faced a shortage as well.
Between 2020 and 2024, he said 19,934 nurses were employed on a permanent and contract basis.
Dzulkefly also stressed that there would be no impact on the quality of nurses despite the requirement for enrolment being lowered from five credits to three credits.
“This will not impact the quality of nursing training as the flexibility does not involve the core subjects of Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics or Science,” he said.
