'Letter on new doctor shift system just internal memo'

Summary

• Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad says the letter on the WBB shift system for medical officers was merely an internal memo to prepare for the pilot project.

• Only he as the minister and the Public Services Department can approve the system.

• He adds that it’s only an alternative option to the two existing systems and not meant to replace them.

The letter on the new shift system for medical officers was merely an internal memo to prepare for the pilot project, said Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.

Speaking in a press conference at his ministry today, Dzulkefly highlighted that only he, as the minister, and the Public Services Department can approve the “Waktu Bekerja Berlainan” (WBB) system.

"I still want to manage the tumultuous perception that resulted from that leak.

"It has become quite serious and there is too much misinformation and disinformation resulting from various interpolations and extrapolations of what was written in the media, the public domain and social media, especially," he said.

The letter was not a circular, he stressed, as it was not signed by the director-general.

On Jan 16, Dzulkefly said that he had not been briefed on nor given his approval for the WBB, which starts on Feb 1.

The system is still being refined, he said, adding that he did not know how it leaked.

On Jan 15, the Malaysian Medical Association raised concerns over the WBB, saying it could burden the overstretched public healthcare system further.

The move will also affect the income of medical officers and specialists as on-call allowances will be restricted, it added.

Alternative option, not replacement

When asked about the on-call allowances today, Dzulkefly said that he would raise the matter with the cabinet.

Speaking further on the WBB, the minister said it was an alternative option besides the two existing systems.

The WBB is not meant to replace either of those systems but is aimed to be complementary, he added.

"The work schedule is subject to the ability and availability of the department and administration of the particular hospital or hospitals concerned," he said.

In response to the Hartal Doktor Kontrak group condemning the ministry over the plan, Dzulkefly said Malaysia is a democratic country and that opposing views can be expressed.

On medical fees for refugees and whether the 50 percent discount for them will be retained, he said that the status quo will remain.

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