The Health Ministry has been asked to clarify if it will be offering adequate remunerations to private general practitioners (GPs) and contract doctors who will be participating in the initiative to extend operating hours at public health clinics.
Spokespersons for Gerakan Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK), who spoke to Malaysiakini on condition of anonymity, said they also wanted to know how the government planned to implement the initiative and if any funds would be allocated so that the GPs can make claims from the government.
While acknowledging that working long hours by doctors is nothing new, they said the ministry must have proper planning and directives to avoid any confusion.
“The inclusion of GPs in this initiative is good. However, how will the implementation be?
“For how long will these measures be done? Have they done pilot studies elsewhere and what were the outcomes?
“What kind of cases will be dealt with in health clinics after office hours? Will education be given to the public on this beforehand?” they asked.
The doctors were responding to Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa’s urge for GPs and contract doctors to support and cooperate with the ministry in a bid to reduce the workload among health workers, as well as provide the best service to patients.
Facing burnout since 2016
Contract doctors have been facing burnout since 2016, having to work over 24 hours and deal with unpaid overtime work.
The issue surrounding the measly allowance paid to GPs for on-call work or working overtime has also riled up the country’s doctors, resulting in a crisis in the public health service.
Yesterday, Zaliha was reported as saying that the move can help reduce congestion at the Emergency Departments of hospitals.
The ministry announced the extended hours at 52 health clinics nationwide to reduce overcrowding in hospital Emergency Departments.
The operating hours for health clinics in the Klang Valley have been extended from 5pm to 9.30pm, from Mondays to Fridays. They will be open from 8am to noon on Saturdays.
In Kedah, Kelantan and Johor, the operating hours have been extended from 5pm to 9.30pm from Sundays to Thursdays. They will be open from 8am till noon on Saturdays. - Mkini
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