New shift system for healthcare workers just a proposal – Dzulkefly
Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad says he has not been briefed of, or given his approval for the new proposed shift system for healthcare workers set to pilot in seven hospitals from Feb 1.
He said the system, called “Waktu Bekerja Berlainan” or WBB, remains a “recommendation” that is still being fine-tuned.
“I have not approved it (and) I don’t know how this was leaked,” Dzulkefly told reporters after an event at SK Putrajaya Precint 9(2) here today.
“We will definitely have to go through stringent engagement sessions with healthcare experts, specialists, and heads of departments (before approving it).”
WBB limits doctors and dentists in the public health service to 18 consecutive work hours, lower than the current 24 to 33 hours straight from on-call duties.
Yesterday, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) raised concerns over the new shift system, warning that the initiative might strain the already overburdened public healthcare system.
MMA president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said there is insufficient manpower at public hospitals for a meaningful reduction of work hours as the workforce already struggles with high workloads during their current shifts.
Task force report on doctor’s death out soon
Separately, Dzulkefly said the independent special task force’s report on the death of a pathologist in Lahad Datu, Sabah, is expected to be made public next month.
He said the final report had gone through a few minor revisions and was now in his possession.
“We will definitely make it public as promised. I will share the final report with the Cabinet, where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will be present,” said Dzulkefly.
He said the family of the doctor, Dr Tay Tien Yaa, had also requested that the government provide them with the task force’s findings before publishing the report.
Last October, Dzulkefly pledged to reveal the findings of the task force set up to investigate Tay’s death on Aug 29, 2024, after her sister claimed that she had been bullied.
Source: FMT
Category: MJN enews
