On-call allowance for health workers raised
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has received approval to increase the On-Call Duty Allowance (ETAP) for health workers and an announcement on the matter will be made later, said its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He stressed that the welfare aspect of health workers has always been fought for and has been his priority throughout his leadership at MOH.
'We have already received approval for the increase in the active allowance or ETAP, we just need to announce the amount, I have been asked to wait for the announcement,' he said.
He told reporters after launching the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024: Nutrition at MOH here today.
ETAP is compensation for additional responsibilities carried out by medical officers in treating patients while on-call at hospitals after normal working hours.
In addition, Dzulkefly said that his party has also received approval regarding the fee schedule involving private clinics and hospitals.
Regarding the claim that the Ministry of Health held a large-scale Hari Raya ceremony and invited famous artists, he stressed that the appearance of Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin was through the platform of Yayasan Nurjiwa.
He said that the Ministry of Health did not pay Biduanita Negara to perform while Datuk Jamal Abdillah was only given a small token.
'This (Hari Raya ceremony) is also to celebrate the senior citizens of the Ministry of Health who are not only at the Ministry of Health in Putrajaya but they came from other places,' he said.
Previously, several news portals criticised Dzulkefly and his ministry for spending a lot for their Hari Raya ceremony, including inviting famous artists including Siti Nurhaliza.
Following this, Siti Nurhaliza explained that her presence at the Ministry of Health Aidilfitri Celebration Ceremony was as a guest, not as an officially invited artist to perform.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Covid-19 remains a threat: Expert urges early testing, treatment and updated vaccination
KUALA LUMPUR: The public, particularly high-risk groups, are recommended to get the latest Covid-19 vaccine, which has been adapted to current variants, to ensure more effective protection. Family medicine specialist and Medical Mythbusters Malaysia vice-president Dr Megat Mohamad Amirul Amzar Megat Hashim said that, although many Malaysians have been vaccinated, earlier doses may no longer offer adequate protection against the latest circulating variant. 'Therefore, it is important to get vaccinations that are tailored to the current variant. The Ministry of Health (MOH) also continues to recommend that high-risk individuals keep their vaccination status up to date, particularly those who are planning to travel, attend large gatherings, or live with elderly people or individuals with weakened immune systems,' he said in a statement, today. According to the MOH, over 11,000 Covid-19 cases have been reported since January, serving as a clear reminder that the public should not become complacent, even though the figure remains below the official alert threshold. Commenting further, Dr Megat said that individuals who have been vaccinated are more likely to recover faster, avoid hospitalisation, and reduce the risk of developing post-Covid-19 complications, including 'long Covid'. He also emphasised the importance of early screening, urging those who feel unwell, or experience symptoms such as sore throat, fatigue, fever, body aches, or stomach upset, which could be early indicators of Covid-19 infection, to get tested promptly. 'If someone feels unwell and belongs to a high-risk group, getting tested is not only about protecting oneself, but also about safeguarding family members and the wider community,' he said. 'We now have access to treatments that can prevent complications, but their effectiveness depends on early intervention. Dr Megat explained that timely testing and vaccination not only benefit individuals, but also help curb the spread of the virus within families and communities, as most severe cases often begin with mild symptoms that may go unnoticed. 'This responsibility is no longer just personal, it is directly tied to our collective duty to protect our loved ones,' he said. 'By getting tested early and staying up to date with vaccinations, we also help ease the burden on the national healthcare system, and shield those who are most vulnerable. He also encouraged the public to use the MySejahtera application to check their eligibility for booster doses, and to conveniently book vaccination appointments. For more information on Covid-19 symptoms, vaccinations, or to locate the nearest testing centre, the public is advised to refer to the MySejahtera app, or consult a healthcare professional.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
High-risk groups urged to get updated Covid-19 vaccine
KUALA LUMPUR: The public, particularly high-risk groups, are recommended to get the latest Covid-19 vaccine, which has been adapted to current variants, to ensure more effective protection. Family medicine specialist and Medical Mythbusters Malaysia vice-president Dr Megat Mohamad Amirul Amzar Megat Hashim said that, although many Malaysians have been vaccinated, earlier doses may no longer offer adequate protection against the latest circulating variant. 'Therefore, it is important to get vaccinations that are tailored to the current variant. The Ministry of Health (MOH) also continues to recommend that high-risk individuals keep their vaccination status up to date, particularly those who are planning to travel, attend large gatherings, or live with elderly people or individuals with weakened immune systems,' he said in a statement, today. According to the MOH, over 11,000 Covid-19 cases have been reported since January, serving as a clear reminder that the public should not become complacent, even though the figure remains below the official alert threshold. Commenting further, Dr Megat said that individuals who have been vaccinated are more likely to recover faster, avoid hospitalisation, and reduce the risk of developing post-Covid-19 complications, including 'long Covid'. He also emphasised the importance of early screening, urging those who feel unwell, or experience symptoms such as sore throat, fatigue, fever, body aches, or stomach upset, which could be early indicators of Covid-19 infection, to get tested promptly. 'If someone feels unwell and belongs to a high-risk group, getting tested is not only about protecting oneself, but also about safeguarding family members and the wider community,' he said. 'We now have access to treatments that can prevent complications, but their effectiveness depends on early intervention. Dr Megat explained that timely testing and vaccination not only benefit individuals, but also help curb the spread of the virus within families and communities, as most severe cases often begin with mild symptoms that may go unnoticed. 'This responsibility is no longer just personal, it is directly tied to our collective duty to protect our loved ones,' he said. 'By getting tested early and staying up to date with vaccinations, we also help ease the burden on the national healthcare system, and shield those who are most vulnerable. He also encouraged the public to use the MySejahtera application to check their eligibility for booster doses, and to conveniently book vaccination appointments. For more information on Covid-19 symptoms, vaccinations, or to locate the nearest testing centre, the public is advised to refer to the MySejahtera app, or consult a healthcare professional.
Malay Mail
18 hours ago
- Malay Mail
From September, Singapore mandates measles shots for helpers in homes with unvaccinated kids under seven
SINGAPORE, June 11 — From September 1, all domestic helpers in Singapore working in homes with children under the age of seven who are not fully vaccinated against measles must themselves be immunised, the country's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced yesterday. The move is aimed at safeguarding 'unvaccinated young children who are at higher risk of serious health complications from measles infections', said MOM, as reported by Channel News Asia (CNA). Singapore has already recorded 10 measles infections in 2025 as of the week ending May 10, just one shy of the total 11 cases reported in all of 2024, according to the Ministry of Health. Employers applying for or renewing work permits for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) must now declare: Whether the domestic helper is already vaccinated or immune to measles Whether all children under seven in the household are fully vaccinated If unvaccinated, whether a vaccination appointment has been booked Domestic helpers may be exempted if they are already immune — either through previous infection or past vaccination — or if all children under seven in the home have been fully immunised. Proof of immunity, such as vaccination records or serology test results, may be required. Employers are advised to check their domestic helper's immunity status well before permit renewal. Households with immunocompromised members are also strongly encouraged to verify their helper's measles immunity or arrange for vaccination. To meet the requirement, domestic helpers must receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart. The vaccine is available at private GP clinics, with the cost to be paid by employers. MOM also warned against false declarations. 'If employers with children below seven years old are found with MDWs who are not immune against measles, their work pass privileges may be suspended until vaccination proof is submitted,' the ministry said. Random checks and documentary audits will be conducted to ensure compliance. While Singapore maintains high overall vaccination rates — over 95 per cent for the first MMR dose and 90 per cent for the second among resident two-year-olds — sporadic cases are expected, MOM said, citing the 'highly transmissible nature of the disease'. The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) stressed that despite strong local immunity, 'the surge in measles cases globally and regionally continues to pose public health risks, particularly for those without measles immunity'. Measles, which spreads through airborne droplets, has been part of Singapore's compulsory childhood immunisation schedule since 1985.
