The Health Ministry will issue a circular on working hour limits for house officers in the near future.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said this follows a report by Malaysian Medics International, which claimed that house officers in the country work 65-85 hours a week.
“A new guideline circular will be issued to strengthen matters related to the working hours of house officers, and this matter is receiving the attention of Health director-general Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab,” he said.
He said this at a press conference after officiating the launch of the 5th Annual Clinical Research Malaysia Trial Connect Conference 2026 in Kuala Lumpur today.
Dzulkefly said the circular is expected to improve the existing flexible working hours system in accordance with regulations at health facilities.
UK policy shift affecting M’sian students
In another development, the minister said the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) will examine policy changes following the implementation of the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026 by the United Kingdom, which changes the entry requirements for the Foundation Programme (FY1/FY2).
He said Mahathar, in his capacity as MMC president, will seek solutions for about 850 Malaysian medical students at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed Malaysia), who are facing uncertainty following the policy’s implementation.
“MMC wishes to stress that the registration and recognition process for medical graduates in Malaysia is subject to the provisions of the Medical Act 1971 and the regulations currently in force.
“All decisions related to registration, training, and professional qualifications are implemented based on statutory requirements and standards set by the MMC,” Dzulkefly said.
He added that, from a legal standpoint, medical qualifications listed under the Second Schedule of the Medical Act 1971 are recognised for registration purposes in Malaysia.
As a regulatory body, the MMC remains committed to ensuring all registered medical practitioners in Malaysia meet competency, professionalism, and patient safety standards.
Under the new regulations, priority is given to graduates who undergo their studies and training physically in the UK.
This would place NUMed Malaysia students who complete their studies in Malaysia in the international medical graduates category.
- Bernama
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.