KUCHING: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has been urged to review the policy regarding the 45-hour work week for medical personnel, including nurses and doctors.
Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian, said the long working hours may not be sustainable in the long run.
“Yes, as medical personnel, we are trained to be resilient and withstand long hours,” he said.
“Doctors, in particular, are paid per case rather than per hour.
“If we complete a case in, say 15 minutes, we receive the same payment regardless of the time taken.
“However, after a certain number of hours, fatigue sets in and we need rest.
“That is why in other countries, doctors are not allowed to work more than 24 hours consecutively, they must have a break,” he said.
Dr. Sim also urged the MOH to consider the increasing number of nurses and doctors migrating overseas, which far exceeds the number of new medical personnel being trained in Malaysia.
“In the past five years, the number of doctors registering to practise in Malaysia has dropped by 50 per cent.
“Many have migrated to countries like Singapore, Australia, the United Kingdom, and even Saudi Arabia for better opportunities.
“This is why we are advocating for health autonomy, so we can offer a better working environment for those who wish to remain in Sarawak,” he said.
He made these remarks when speaking to reporters after launching the state-level national influenza immunisation programme for the elderly at Batu Kawa Health Clinic today.
Meanwhile, recent reports indicate that nurses have been working more than 45 hours a week even before the implementation of the 45-hour work week policy, according to federal Deputy Health Minister, Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
He explained that previous work schedules did not account for break times or the unofficial “passing over report” period, during which nurses transfer essential patient information to incoming shifts.
“The 45-hour work week is designed to incorporate the passing over report into nurses’ shifts,” Lukanisman said.
“The task handover will now be considered part of the working hours, taking place during the final hour of the outgoing nurse’s shift and the start of the incoming nurse’s shift.
“This ensures that nurses receive adequate break times while also allowing task handovers to be conducted systematically, preventing an increased workload,” he added.
