The Malaysian Cabinet is set to make a decision this Friday regarding an increase in on-call allowances for doctors, a long-awaited change that reflects Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's commitment to improving the financial well-being of healthcare workers. The decision comes after years of advocacy from doctors who face long working hours and demanding conditions.
Doctors in Malaysia may finally see an increase in their on-call allowances after the Cabinet is scheduled to make a decision this Friday, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Dr Dzulkefly shared that he received this information from Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister, during a recent conversation.
While he couldn't disclose further details, he emphasized that the decision aligns with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's commitment announced in August 2023 and during the Budget 2025 presentation.The planned allowance increase was initially announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim last year, with the aim of improving the financial well-being of doctors and dentists who undertake on-call duties. Under the proposed changes, the on-call duty allowance for doctors and dentists in specific categories would rise from the current rate of RM200 for a 24-hour active call on weekdays, ranging from RM55 to RM65. For passive calls, where doctors remain on standby at home, the rates are RM80 on weekdays and RM85 on weekends and public holidays. Doctors recalled to work for more than four hours during passive calls are entitled to an additional payment of RM50 on weekdays and RM55 on weekends. Specialists, meanwhile, are slated to receive higher on-call allowances, with RM230 allocated for weekdays and RM250 for weekends and public holidays.Dr Dzulkefly acknowledged the immense pressures faced by healthcare workers in Malaysia, highlighting the long working hours they endure. He emphasized that extended on-call duties of up to 33 hours and a staggering 99-hour workweek are not sustainable for a profession dedicated to public health and saving lives. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Health established the Medical Advisory and Action Committee (MAAC) in January 2024. Comprising 10 frontline clinical experts from various specializations, the MAAC aims to tackle pressing issues affecting healthcare workers.Additionally, the February launch of the Waktu Bekerja Berlainan (WBB) pilot project, an alternative working hours system for medical officers, is contingent upon the MAAC's decision. The MAAC or relevant units will assess the project's feasibility and determine its implementation on February 1. The system's rollout remains an internal matter requiring approval from both Dr Dzulkefly and the Public Service Department (PSD). The MAAC has collected feedback from doctors in high-intensity departments to address long working hours and promote better mental well-being and work-life balance. The objective is to offer an additional option alongside existing systems, tailored to individual hospital departments' resources and readiness.Dr Dzulkefly expressed disappointment over the premature disclosure of the internal circular regarding the WBB pilot project, which he believes has caused misunderstandings and unnecessary concerns among medical staff and the public. He emphasized the importance of pilot programs for evaluation and improvement, urging all stakeholders to contribute professionally to strengthen the healthcare delivery system
DOCTORS ALLOWANCES MALAYSIA HEALTH CABINET WORKLOAD PRIME MINISTER ANWAR IBRAHIM BUDGET 2025
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