PETALING JAYA: A number of government healthcare workers have yet to receive their uniform supplies and tailoring payment for the year.
Workers in states or territories such as Sabah, Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Negri Sembilan said they have not received their supplies, including fabric for uniforms and payment for the tailoring.
Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran said he had received several complaints through social media.
"A review of 718 comments and replies from 611 user accounts on my Facebook post showed concerns over delays in supply, outstanding payments and the quality of the fabric supplied.
"Feedback was received from locations across all states and Federal Territories," he said on Monday (Sept 14).
Lingeshwaran said the Health Ministry must check its records and verify these complaints against the official records of each responsibility centre (PTJ).
However, he noted that not all staff at the facilities mentioned are experiencing the same problems.
There were also reports that some supplies and payments had been received, including differences in receipt between categories of staff within the same facility.
It is learnt that the ministry is waiting for the Finance Ministry’s approval through, the government’s procurement system, for additional fabric.
"I understand that the delay in supplies is due to the need for additional quantities, with the approval currently being considered by the Finance Ministry.
"The bigger question is why inaccurate estimates were made when the contract extension was implemented. Who made those estimates?" Dr Lingeshwaran asked.
"Given that almost all major PTJs have reported that they have yet to receive the fabric, I believe the discrepancy in quantities is substantial compared with the original estimates.
"The issues raised also go beyond delays in supplies. Many healthcare workers have complained that the fabric received is too stiff, hot, does not absorb sweat well, is too thin or see-through, turns yellow quickly and is difficult to sew.
"Some said tailors refused to accept the fabric, forcing them to buy other fabric or ready-made uniforms with their own money," he added.
The former director of Hospital Sungai Bakap also called for a review of the type of fabric provided, as well as the supplier involved.
"I raised this issue in the Dewan Negara and was told action had been taken and penalties imposed on the supplier.
"I understand that the contract with the supplier was subsequently extended for another year.
"The bigger question is why the supplier is still supplying fabric that healthcare workers consider to be of poor quality," he said.
Dr Lingeshwaran said the effectiveness of this expenditure should be questioned if the fabric supplied ultimately goes unused.
He added that successful supply should not be measured solely by delivery of the fabric, but by whether or not it is suitable for use.
"Healthcare workers need to remain active and work in various conditions, including environments without air-conditioning. Comfort, durability and appropriate attire are basic requirements for them," he said.
He also urged the Health Ministry to set up a confidential complaints channel for its personnel to lodge reports on such matters.
