Boost Healthcare Workforce, Don’t Cut Working Hours – Dr. Akmal’s Bold Call

"Dr. Akmal: Boost Healthcare Staff, Don't Reduce Hours"

The Malaysian Health Ministry should increase healthcare staff instead of reducing work hours, as staff face overtime due to staff shortages, says UMNO Youth Chief.

Ahmad Syafiq18 January 2025Last Update : 1 month ago

www.sinarharian.com.my

On January 18, 2025, the Malaysian Health Ministry faced criticism for reducing working hours instead of increasing healthcare staff. Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh, the Youth Chief of UMNO, argued that the real issue lies in the shortage of personnel, forcing existing staff to work overtime. Is cutting hours the solution, or does it just mask a deeper problem?

6 Key Takeaways

KKM should increase healthcare staff numbers.
Reduced working hours may not address staffing issues.
Healthcare workers face excessive overtime demands.
Financial constraints affect on-call allowances.
WBB aims to improve healthcare worker welfare.
Policymakers should understand healthcare challenges.

Fast Answer: The Malaysian Health Ministry’s recent decision to reduce working hours from 33 to 18 sparked controversy. Critics argue that this change does not address the critical shortage of healthcare staff, leading to increased overtime for existing workers. The focus should be on hiring more personnel to improve healthcare services.

Why Reducing Working Hours May Not Solve Healthcare Issues in Malaysia

Could reducing working hours truly benefit healthcare workers? While the intention is to reduce fatigue, many believe it merely shifts the burden. With staff shortages, existing healthcare professionals are likely to face increased workloads despite the new schedule.

Warning! The current healthcare staffing crisis in Malaysia could lead to burnout and decreased quality of care. This situation highlights the need for urgent action to support healthcare workers.

Understanding the Implications of the New Working Hours Policy

The new policy aims to cut down work hours from 99 to 72 per week. However, as Dr. Akmal pointed out, the reality is that healthcare workers may still end up working overtime due to insufficient staff. This raises questions about the effectiveness of such policies in improving healthcare delivery.

The Need for More Healthcare Staff in Malaysia

Addressing the healthcare staffing crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are key points to consider:

Increased recruitment of healthcare professionals.
Better working conditions to retain existing staff.
Enhanced training programs for new hires.
Supportive policies that recognize the challenges faced by healthcare workers.

Potential Consequences of Understaffing in Healthcare

Understaffing can lead to severe consequences, including:

Increased burnout among healthcare workers.
Decline in patient care quality.
Higher rates of medical errors.
Longer wait times for patients seeking care.

In conclusion, while the Malaysian Health Ministry’s new working hours policy aims to alleviate pressure on healthcare workers, it may not address the root problem of staffing shortages. A more effective solution would involve hiring additional staff and improving working conditions to ensure quality healthcare for all.