Latest news with #PublicServiceRemunerationSystem
The Star
3 days ago
- Health
- The Star
More issues in public healthcare to tackle
ON July 11, the government announced the exemption of 82,637 healthcare workers from the new 45-hour work week policy under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA). This means critical shift-based roles within the Health Ministry will proceed as usual with the 42-hour work week. The decision is a long overdue recognition of the mental, emotional and physical burden that healthcare workers shoulder every single day. Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Full access to Web and App. RM 13.90/month RM 9.73 /month Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter. RM 12.39/month RM 8.63 /month Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.
The Star
5 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Union advocates for 42-hour work week for all healthcare workers
KOTA KINABALU: All healthcare workers, including those in complementary sectors and those on shift duties, should also be permitted a 42-hour work week, says the Sabah Medical Services Union (SMSU). SMSU President Ajulahin Japin praised the federal government for abandoning plans to enforce a 45-hour work week for more than 82,000 healthcare workers. He also suggested that this change should be applied to other healthcare industry workers. 'SMSU urges the government to extend this decision to include all other healthcare workers who also work on shift duty, such as pharmacy assistants, ambulance drivers, and other clinical support staff who are similarly affected by shift work demands and heavy workloads,' he said. On July 11, the Public Services Department (PSD) stated that the exemption would involve a total of 82,637 healthcare personnel, comprising nurses, community nurses, medical officers in emergency departments, assistant medical officers and healthcare assistants. This followed opposition after the announcement of the implementation of a 45-hour per week shift work schedule under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which was scheduled to take effect on March 1. An interim moratorium on the 45-hour work week for healthcare staff was extended by three months on March 8.
The Star
13-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Major win for healthcare workers
Keeping 42-hour work week first of many steps forward, says Dzulkefly KUALA LUMPUR: Describing it as a historic breakthrough, the Health Ministry welcomed the 42-hour work week for shift-based healthcare workers as a recognition of their dedication. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic) expressed the ministry's heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the move. He welcomed the decision to maintain the current 42-hour work week for five critical service schemes. 'This reflects recognition for the commitment and perseverance of healthcare personnel who care for patients fighting for their lives every day,' Dzulkefly said in a statement yesterday. The decision, announced by the Public Service Department (PSD), applies to 82,637 healthcare staff under the ministry, sparing them from the previously announced and controversial 45-hour work week proposal. According to PSD, the decision was made after taking into account the concerns raised by healthcare workers regarding the implementation under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA). From last year, The Star ran a series of articles highlighting the Malayan Nurses Union's concerns that the 45-hour work week would worsen fatigue, stress and work-life imbalance among nurses already stretched thin by manpower shortages. Dzulkefly said the move underscores the Madani government's commitment to address the physical, mental and emotional strain faced by healthcare workers. He added that the breakthrough was the result of coordinated efforts between PSD, unions, related associations, and the Health Ministry's Nursing and Human Resource Divisions. Looking ahead, he said the ministry remains focused on pursuing further reforms to strengthen the healthcare system. 'We hope this will be the first of many positive developments for our personnel. I urge all Malaysians to continue honouring the contributions of our healthcare heroes,' he said. The Malaysian Male Nurses Association (MMN) also welcomed the decision, calling it a significant victory for the wellbeing of frontline workers. In a statement, MMN expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Health Minister, PSD and the ministry's Human Resource division in preserving the current work hours. 'This reflects a strong commitment to the welfare of healthcare workers while ensuring continued quality care for patients. 'This decision proves that the voices of nurses and other healthcare workers are being heard,' the statement read. The association also said the move would allow nurses and other healthcare personnel to continue providing high-quality care in a more balanced and sustainable work environment. 'We hope the decision will enhance patient care, support better work-life balance for healthcare workers and strengthen collaboration to protect their rights and welfare for a more resilient healthcare system. 'MMN remains committed to working with all relevant parties to uphold the wellbeing of healthcare staff and enhance the quality of healthcare services in Malaysia,' it added. In a separate statement, Cuepacs president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat also thanked the government for the announcement, saying that the decision aligns with the Madani spirit, which emphasises the values of empathy, welfare and the wellbeing of both citizens and civil servants. 'Cuepacs believes that retaining the 42-hour work week will not only help safeguard the physical, mental and emotional health of healthcare personnel but will also ensure the quality of public healthcare services remains at its highest standard,' he said. Meanwhile, the guidelines to manage bullying at health facilities will be launched in conjunction with World Mental Health Day this October, added the Health Minister. Dzulkefly said the guidelines would then be distributed to all health facilities to strengthen existing support systems, including MyHelp KKM. 'This reflects the ministry's commitment towards the psychosocial welfare of its workforce,' he said in a statement. On Aug 29 last year, a specialist at Hospital Lahad Datu was found dead in her rented home in the wake of allegations of workplace bullying.
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Better career prospects, work environment for doctors and nurses to stem brain drain
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry (MOH) has given its assurance and continued commitment to resolving public health issues, including the welfare of healthcare workers. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said it was intensifying reform efforts to stem the brain drain of healthcare professionals following reports of recent recruitment drives by Singapore-based talent agencies in local institutions and high-profile venues. He said the government is aware of open interviews conducted in Malaysia by foreign recruiters targeting medical professionals, especially young talent graduating from local universities. "Malaysia is internationally recognised as a source of world-class healthcare professionals. "While this reflects the strength of our training ecosystem, it also poses an ongoing challenge in retaining these professionals within our national health system," he said in a statement. Although the Health Ministry has no legal grounds to stop Malaysian healthcare professionals from seeking employment abroad, nor can it prevent licensed recruitment agencies from offering overseas placements, Dzulkefly said, the onus is on the government to ensure better retention. He said the ministry's strategies are anchored on improving career prospects, upgrading work conditions, and introducing structural reforms, he said. "Among the key initiatives are a 13 per cent salary hike under the new Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) starting 2025, and amendments to the Medical Act 1971 to officially recognise alternative specialist pathways, including the Parallel Pathway programme. "MOH has also enhanced the ePlacement system to provide more transparent job placements and mobility, while reducing dependency on the Contract of Service model." In July, the ministry approved 2,248 permanent appointments for contract medical officers, the largest intake since the contract system's introduction, he said. He said these steps are aimed at offering clearer and more structured career progression, including for contract officers. "The ministry is also tackling non-monetary factors such as workplace burnout, bullying, and toxic work environments. "There is a serious focus on creating fair, safe and supportive working conditions. "This includes stricter internal guidelines, investigations into misconduct, and direct engagement with healthcare facility leaders," he said. He said MOH has also commissioned a study titled The Future of Health Workforce in Malaysia, conducted by the Strategic Engagement Group (SEG). The report recommends forming an inter-ministerial Human Resource in Healthcare (HRH) Governance Board, to coordinate long-term workforce sustainability strategies across multiple agencies. Dzulkefly acknowledged that solutions require collaboration beyond the Health Ministry, involving the Public Service Department (PSD), Finance Ministry, Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) Human Resources Ministry. He said Malaysia, as the 2025 Asean Chair, also plans to elevate the discussion on healthcare workforce mobility and regional accountability. "MOH remains fully committed to building a vibrant, robust healthcare system, not just by reforming healthcare financing but also by modernising care delivery through digitalisation, AI and new technologies," he said. Experts raised concerns over Singapore's move to hold an open recruitment exercise for doctors here next month, saying that it could further exacerbate the nation's healthcare brain drain.
BusinessToday
12-07-2025
- Health
- BusinessToday
Relief For Health Workers With New 42-Hour Work Week
The government has agreed to provide exemptions to shift work hours for five critical service schemes under the Health Ministry, by setting working hours to 42 hours a week. The Public Service Department said the government understands the concern of medical personnel about the implementation of the weekly 45-hour shift under the Public Service Remuneration System. '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 regard to 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 Related
