‘Extraordinary' stress: Putrajaya lowers work week to 42 hours for emergency doctors, nurses, health assistants
The Public Services Department (JPA) said the government understands the concern of medical personnel about the implementation of the weekly 45-hour shift under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA).
'After a detailed study of operational needs and critical duties performed by medical personnel directly involved in keeping patients alive around the clock, the government deems such duties as requiring extraordinary levels of physical, mental and emotional readiness.
'This step is also the Madani Government's commitment to continue listening and taking action with regards of the welfare of medical personnel who form the backbone of our country's healthcare system,' the department said in a statement today.
The exemption involves 82,637 healthcare personnel, social nurses, medical officers in the emergency department, assistant medical officers and healthcare assistants. — Bernama

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Bolder health reforms needed in 13MP, says think tank
Strategic actions remain imperative for the well-being and resilience of Malaysia's healthcare system, said the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy. PETALING JAYA : A think tank has urged the government to execute bolder reforms for the health sector under the 13th Malaysia Plan, tabled yesterday, saying it falls short in several key areas. The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy said the government could show more ambition in areas like healthcare financing, health workforce, and non-communicable diseases. Galen CEO Azrul Khalib said reforming healthcare financing was especially critical as the current tax-funded system was unsustainable. He also said the Rakan KKM programme, offering 'premium economy' services at selected public hospitals, and the proposed basic medical and health insurance and takaful (MHIT) product from the government were insufficient initiatives. 'What is needed is compulsory national health and social insurance to provide complementary funding to support health and aged care. 'Adopting a (salary deduction) rate similar to Perkeso contributions, we could raise at least RM6 billion annually to complement the annual health allocation under the federal budget,' he said in a statement. Azrul said the government should have also announced a health services commission under the 13MP, which would take over the task of managing public health workers from the public services department. 'This commission would potentially enhance governance, improve accountability, and better manage human resources, leading to improved service delivery, and stronger confidence by the public and healthcare workers,' he said. He said there was no clear vision or plan on how to stem the rise in non-communicable diseases, of which treating them takes up about 70% of the billions in Putrajaya's annual health expenditure. Azrul also said that failure to increase investment in effective treatments and care for NCDs could lead to more patients dying from suboptimal treatment. 'The 13MP should represent a bold and ambitious vision to ensure that the country's healthcare system continues to be fit for purpose. Strategic actions remain imperative for the well-being and resilience of Malaysia's healthcare system. 'We cannot afford to be timid,' he said. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Putrajaya will allocate RM40 billion for the health sector under the 13MP. Apart from building and upgrading health facilities in several states, he said, a framework for professional development will be developed to ensure talent retention in the health sector. Yesterday, Azrul said the RM40 billion should fund long-term investment in healthcare infrastructure, modernisation of medical equipment, and improvements to the workplace environment. He also said more must be invested in health literacy programmes that inform and empower people to take charge of their health.


New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
MOH outlines RM40 billion plan to strengthen healthcare under 13MP
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is committed to strengthening Malaysia's healthcare service delivery and enhancing digitalisation under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), backed by a RM40 billion allocation. With 1.6 per cent increase from the previous plan, its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry fully supports the Madani government's vision of building a more sustainable and resilient national healthcare system, anchored by five pillars under the health reform strategy. He thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah and the Economy Ministry for their leadership in shaping the 13MP. "Among the key reforms is the strengthening of health financing and governance, including the expansion of the Rakan KKM initiative as an additional option for paid elective treatment in public health facilities. "The ministry will also introduce a basic private health insurance/takaful product by December, conduct a study towards the establishment of a national health fund, optimisation of health tax mechanisms and expansion of high-value outsourcing initiatives," he said in a press conference here today after launching Op Selamat Paru-Paru. The second pillar, he said, focuses on enhancing health promotion and security by cultivating a health-literate society and encouraging behavioural change for healthier living. He said the ministry would also ramp up preparedness for health emergencies and disease control, including the formation of a dedicated health disaster task force, increased focus on rare diseases and preparations for an ageing population. On empowering the healthcare service delivery ecosystem, Dzulkefly said the ministry would develop a national framework for workforce professional development and boost talent capacity. This includes integrating cluster hospitals with primary healthcare services and investing in high-impact medical research and innovation. "We will also strengthen the "one individual, one record" as the foundation of a digital health system and generate high-impact health analytics with artificial intelligence support. "The ministry will also enhance the national regulatory system for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and increase the production capacity of local manufacturers, among other measures," he said. The 13MP is a key policy document that will guide Malaysia's policies over the next five years, involving a budget of RM611 billion. The 13MP, covering 2026 to 2030, sets out progressive and realistic objectives to spur economic growth, raise household incomes and ensure inclusive development across all sectors.


Borneo Post
3 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Prioritise children's palliative care, says Sabah Health Exco
James (centre) poses with the organiser and cyclists at Hilton Hotel. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 1): Paediatric palliative care must be prioritised as an integral part of the national healthcare system, said State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister, Datuk James Ratib. Speaking at the closing of the SEPEDA Amal Borneo 2025 event today, James highlighted the critical shortage of paediatric palliative care specialists in Malaysia — only six are currently serving under the Health Ministry, despite an estimated nine million children needing such care. 'In Sabah, these services are only available at the Sabah Women and Children's Hospital in Kota Kinabalu. Last year alone, more than 100 new paediatric palliative care cases were referred to the Likas unit,' he said during the event held at Hilton Hotel. James called on the Health Ministry to urgently address the shortage by training more specialists and increasing funding for the field. He also appealed for additional incentives to attract doctors to serve in Sabah. He emphasised the unique challenges faced by children in Sabah's remote areas, many of whom come from underprivileged communities and currently have little to no access to palliative services. 'I am especially supportive of MAPPAC's vision to build the first children's hospice in Sabah. Such a facility would ensure that care is delivered in a dedicated and well-equipped setting, regardless of the patient's background,' he said. James pledged his full support as the state's Health Exco to help make the hospice a reality and urged the Federal Government, through the Health Ministry, to collaborate and allocate necessary funds. 'This is my commitment to our children who are truly in need of our help,' he added. The SEPEDA Amal Borneo charity cycling event, organised by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), was aimed at raising awareness and funds for the hospice. The event saw 17 cyclists from across the globe complete a grueling six-day, 600-kilometre journey from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu, passing through Paitan, Kota Marudu, Ranau and Tambunan — with a total elevation of over 6,000 metres. 'I am deeply impressed by the commitment shown by the SEPEDA Amal Borneo participants, who come from various professions, backgrounds and nationalities,' James said. 'Your efforts have helped bring attention to an issue that truly matters.'