Govt studying bid to merge public health enforcement roles

The Health Ministry is reviewing a proposal to align the roles of environmental health officers and assistant environmental health officers, said Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.

“I would like to assure that this matter is being thoroughly reviewed… to ensure that our enforcement system is more effective, sustainable, and aligned with current needs,” he said.

Speaking at a dinner of public health enforcement officers last night, he said the proposal was by the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs).

Also present were deputy director-general of health (Public Health) Dr Norhayati Rusli and Cuepacs president Adnan Mat.

Dzulkefly also said he would look into the proposal to officially include World Environmental Health Day in the ministry’s annual calendar.

This is to ensure the crucial role of public health enforcement officers in safeguarding community well-being gets the recognition it deserves.

“I was informed that World Environmental Health Day, observed annually on Sept 26, was recognised by the Health Ministry in 2016 but has not been made an official event in the ministry’s calendar.”

Speaking to reporters, Adnan said the proposal to merge public health enforcement functions and align roles would recognise the expertise of officers and provide better career progression in the ministry.

“This will also strengthen the public health sector and enhance the effectiveness of health enforcement service delivery to the people,” he added.

- Bernama

COMMENT | Time to get serious on vice-chancellor appointments

'Selected blunders usually reported': PM lauds unsung civil service

MMA meets health minister, lays bare doctors' grievances

Minister welcomes work rotation for civil servants at service counters