Umno Youth Chief Calls for Postponement of Proposed Shift System for Healthcare Workers
The Debate Surrounding the Waktu Bekerja Berlainan (WBB) System
Umno Youth chief Dr. Akmal Saleh has entered the debate surrounding the new proposed shift system for healthcare workers, calling for its postponement amid concerns of strain on the public healthcare system.
The Proposed Shift System
The WBB system, as reported by CodeBlue, aims to limit 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, Dr. Akmal Saleh has expressed concerns that this system will lead to more doctors leaving the profession.
Health Minister’s Clarification
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has clarified that the proposed shift system remains a "recommendation" that is still being fine-tuned. He stated that he had not been briefed on the system nor given his approval, and that it will definitely go through stringent engagement sessions with healthcare experts, specialists, and heads of departments before being approved.
Concerns and Criticisms
Dr. Akmal Saleh has pointed out that doctors working under the new system will not be entitled to on-call allowances, unlike security guards who work 12 hours and are considered to have 8 hours of base hours and 4 hours of overtime. He emphasized that the current doctor-to-patient ratio is already low, and that implementing this system will only lead to more doctors leaving the profession.
Call for Postponement
Dr. Akmal Saleh has called on the Health Minister to postpone the implementation of the WBB system and act against those who approved it without his knowledge. He believes that the system is being implemented without proper consultation and that it will put additional strain on the public healthcare system.
Conclusion
The proposed shift system for healthcare workers has sparked controversy, with Dr. Akmal Saleh expressing concerns about its potential impact on the public healthcare system. The Health Minister’s clarification that the system is still being fine-tuned has not alleviated concerns, and the debate is expected to continue. It remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns raised by Dr. Akmal Saleh and other healthcare professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the proposed shift system for healthcare workers?
A: The Waktu Bekerja Berlainan (WBB) system aims to limit 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.
Q: Why is Dr. Akmal Saleh opposing the proposed shift system?
A: Dr. Akmal Saleh believes that the system will lead to more doctors leaving the profession, exacerbating the current doctor-to-patient ratio problem.
Q: Has the Health Minister approved the proposed shift system?
A: No, the Health Minister has clarified that he had not been briefed on the system nor given his approval, and that it remains a "recommendation" that is still being fine-tuned.