Mma Meets Minister To Outline Doctors Grouses Over Shift System

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MMA president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the association explained in great detail why public healthcare doctors generally do not agree or support the proposed shift system. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association said it highlighted doctors’ reservations about a newly proposed shift system for healthcare workers during a meeting with health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad and other ministry officials today.
MMA president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the controversial Waktu Bekerja Berlainan (WBB) policy has caused turmoil among many doctors and doctors’ groups since it was made public last week.
The system, which Dzulkefly previously said was a “recommendation” that was still being fine-tuned,  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.
However, doctors working such hours are not entitled to on-call allowances.
“MMA, with the feedback it has been receiving from its members and also other doctors, explained in great detail why public healthcare doctors generally do not agree or support the WBB system,” said Kalwinder in a statement.
“We acknowledged the intention behind the planned policy but emphasised the necessity of addressing the shortages and maldistribution of healthcare workers in the public healthcare system before any new system is planned.”
Kalwinder previously said the income of public medical officers and specialists would be affected under the WBB system as on-call allowances would only apply to those on-call during weekends and public holidays.
He said on Jan 15 that MOs and specialists will work fewer hours but they stand to lose income as they will not be granted an allowance for working past 5pm on weekdays, and graveyard shifts are treated as regular work hours and included as part of the 45-hour work week.
In his statement today, Kalwinder reiterated the importance of meaningful engagement with stakeholders before the introduction of any new policy, particularly when it impacts the healthcare workforce and service delivery.
He said MMA also highlighted its long-standing call for the immediate implementation of an increase in on-call allowance across the board for all doctors serving in public healthcare.
He stressed that MMA believes the matter requires urgent attention and should not be tied to any particular working system.
On Tuesday, Dzulkefly said the ministry’s medical advisory and action committee would decide whether or not to implement the pilot phase of the WBB.
This came after it was reported that a Jan 10 circular by health ministry medical development division director Dr Azman Yacob had announced that the first phase of the new system would take effect on Feb 1 and involve eight departments across seven government hospitals. - FMT

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