Mma Tells Mps To Debate Doctors On Call Allowances In Parliament

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The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) today urged MPs to raise the issue of doctors’ on-call payments in the Dewan Rakyat, saying the rate has not been revised for over a decade.
MMA president Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo also called for the matter not to be framed as an argument between doctors and MPs, following proposals to reallocate lawmakers’ allowances to increase that of doctors.
“For doctors, the on-call allowance is not a privilege. It is recognition of work that often stretches beyond 24 hours without proper rest, while handling life-and-death decisions continuously.
“Yet today, the allowance, when broken down, amounts to just RM9.16 an hour - a rate that has not been revised for more than 10 years, despite the growing demands and responsibilities carried by our doctors,” he said in a statement today.
ADSThirunavukarasu pointed out that the consequences of doctors being fatigued and demoralised are not abstract - patients’ safety and quality of care are directly affected.
“Taking care of those who care for the nation’s health must be a priority, and it is the fiduciary duty of MPs to ensure that healthcare issues are given the serious attention they deserve in parliamentary debates,” he stressed.
Thirunavukarasu added that doctors’ pay, workload balance, and career development form the foundation to reduce attrition and sustain the health system, and the public deserves competent and fairly supported doctors.
“We therefore call on MPs to debate this issue with urgency, not for the benefit of doctors alone but for the safety of patients and the long-term resilience of our healthcare system.
“The MMA stands ready for constructive dialogue with the honourable speaker and MPs, in the hope that together, we can achieve reforms that safeguard the well-being of Malaysians and the sustainability of our healthcare services.”
50pct cut suggestion dismissed
Yesterday, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh had lambasted Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul over the issue of doctors’ payments.
Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari AbdulThis came after Johari dismissed a suggestion for a 50 percent cut to lawmakers’ allowances to fund an increase in doctors’ on-call allowances.
Johari reportedly claimed that while doctors can keep their entire wages for themselves, an MP is expected to fork out funds from their RM25,000 monthly allowance to run their office, donate to constituents for various occasions, and contribute during emergencies. - Mkini

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