The NGO Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy raised a question today over the purported Waktu Bekerja Berlainan (WBB) system for shift works in seven hospitals.
Taking to X, its CEO Azrul Mohd Khalib asked if public hospitals are sweatshops.
“Working 18-hour shifts is exploitative and inhumane and unsafe for the worker.
“In the case of healthcare workers, it could lead to harm for the patient.
"Garment workers in Bangladesh work in sweatshops 14-16 hours a day. Are we (public hospitals) a sweatshop?" Azrul (above) said.
Regardless whether there is compensation, no one shld be working 18-hour shifts.
— Azrul Mohd Khalib (@azrulmohdkhalib) January 16, 2025
It is inhumane, unsafe for the worker, and very likely will lead to patient harm. It is also exploitative.
Garment workers in Bangladesh work in sweatshops 14-16 hrs a day.
Are we a sweatshop?
Earlier today, Free Malaysia Today reported Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad as saying that he had not been briefed of 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.
“We will definitely have to go through stringent engagement sessions with healthcare experts, specialists, and heads of departments (before approving it)," he said.
Yesterday, the Malaysian Medical Association raised concerns over the WBB, saying it could burden the overstretched public healthcare system even further.
The move will also affect the income of medical officers and specialists as on-call allowances will be restricted, it said. - Mkini
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