KLANG: The 300-litre monthly fuel subsidy quota under BUDI95 for Health Ministry personnel must be reinstated, says Malaysian Medical Association, as it is an operational necessity not a privilege.
It is also a matter of fairness, and MMA fully supports the call by the Coalition Council of Presidents and General Secretaries of the Health Ministry Trade Unions (Mapsu) for the government to restore the subsidy.
MMA president Dr Thirunavakarasu said in a statement there was no work from home alternative for healthcare personnel.
"Healthcare delivery requires physical presence - doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak must be on-site daily to provide patient care," he added.
He said a uniform fuel-subsidy rationalisation did not meet the reality of the situation for healthcare workers as they had to report for duty regardless of location, shift patterns or personal cost.
He said the MMA was supportive of prudent budgeting and reducing subsidies where needed but wanted policies to be fair and practical.
Dr Thirunavakarasu added that backing and supporting the nation's healthcare workers was an essential investment in the strength, stability and quality of Malaysia's public healthcare system.
According to him, the matter must also be seen in the broader context of the public healthcare system, which was underfunded, overworked and short-staffed.
"As demand grows because of chronic illness, an ageing population and rising health needs, we should be supporting the health workforce, not adding to its strain," he added.
Dr Thirunavakarasu said adding financial pressure on healthcare workers, albeit unintentionally, can hurt morale, focus and staff retention, and directly affect patient care.
The MMA urged the government to take a practical, targeted step by restoring the 300-litre monthly fuel subsidy or giving a specific exemption for Health Ministry staff who must be physically on duty.
