The recent press statement by Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad describing health care workers as “invaluable assets” is a glaring example of how words without actions are meaningless.
Despite the minister’s recognition of their importance, the current reality faced by health care workers is a far cry from the supportive and appreciative environment they deserve.
This article seeks to dispute the minister’s press release and highlight the critical issues that remain unaddressed, urging immediate and decisive action.
Why Are Health Care Workers Still Being Paid Cheaply?
The minister’s acknowledgment of health care workers as invaluable assets raises an immediate and pressing question: why are these essential professionals still being paid poorly?
The dedication and hard work of nurses, doctors, and other health care staff are not reflected in their salaries, which remain shamefully low.
Despite the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) acknowledgment of the burnout and strain faced by these workers, there has been no significant move to rectify the inadequate salary structures.
Health care workers perform tasks that are critical to the wellbeing and health of the nation. They are on the frontlines, dealing with life-and-death situations daily.
Their role is not just physically demanding, but also emotionally taxing. However, their compensation does not reflect the gravity and importance of their work.
This discrepancy between the professed value of health care workers and their actual compensation is unacceptable. If the government truly values these workers, it must implement significant salary increases that reflect their critical role in society.
Words of appreciation must be backed by financial recognition of the hard work and dedication of health care professionals.
The Plight Of Overworked Health Care Workers
Health care workers are consistently subjected to excessive workloads, leading to severe burnout and mental health issues. The press statement’s mention of fostering a healthier work-life balance and fair compensation structure is undermined by the continued reality of overwork.
Long hours, high patient loads, and inadequate staffing are daily struggles for these professionals. MOH initiatives such as optimising patient distribution and extending clinic hours are insufficient and fail to address the root causes of overwork.
The excessive workload is not just a strain on the health care workers’ physical health, but also their mental wellbeing. The stress and exhaustion from long hours can lead to burnout, depression, and anxiety, which can, in turn, affect the quality of care they provide.
Comprehensive reforms are needed to ensure health care workers can maintain a reasonable work-life balance. This includes hiring more staff to reduce the patient-to-staff ratio, providing adequate rest periods, and ensuring that the workload is evenly distributed.
When Will There Be A Policy To Increase Health Care Workers’ Salaries And Allowances?
The minister’s hope for expanding human resources and acknowledging fiscal constraints does not address the immediate need for policy changes to increase salaries and allowances for health care workers.
Since the introduction of ‘contract doctors’ in 2016, many medical officers have faced professional uncertainty and financial instability. The Ministry must commit to a clear timeline for implementing policies that will see significant increases in salaries and allowances.
The lack of a clear policy to increase salaries and allowances has left many health care workers feeling undervalued and demoralised. It is not enough to recognise their contributions verbally; this recognition must be translated into tangible benefits.
Appreciating health care workers through words alone is insufficient; financial recognition is imperative. The government must allocate sufficient funds to ensure that health care workers are paid what they deserve.
This will not only improve their morale but also attract more individuals to the profession, addressing the issue of understaffing.
The Issue Of Contract Medical Officers
The issue of contract medical officers remains a pressing concern. Many medical officers have been left in professional limbo, with no job security or clear path to permanent positions.
The minister’s call for patience as reforms are undertaken offers little comfort to those whose careers and lives are in uncertainty. A clear and immediate policy must be established to provide permanent jobs to these contract officers, recognising their essential role in the health care system and providing them with the stability they deserve.
Contract medical officers are crucial to the functioning of the health care system, yet they are treated as temporary and expendable. This lack of job security affects their performance and dedication.
Knowing that their jobs are not guaranteed, many contract medical officers are unable to fully commit to their roles. The government must recognise their contributions and provide them with the job security they deserve.
This includes creating permanent positions and ensuring that these officers have a clear career progression path.
The Need To Raise The On-Call Allowance
Another critical issue that remains unaddressed is the on-call allowance for health care workers. Currently, the on-call allowance stands at a mere RM9 per hour, a rate that is grossly inadequate, given the demanding nature of on-call duties.
For a typical 33-hour on-call shift, this translates to an insulting RM200, far below what is fair compensation for the time, effort, and expertise required. The call to raise this allowance to RM20 per hour has been loud and clear, yet it remains unanswered.
On-call duties are among the most demanding aspects of health care work. Health care workers must be available at all times, ready to handle emergencies and critical cases.
The current on-call allowance does not reflect the level of responsibility and stress involved. The MOH’s commitment to revisiting long-standing practices must include a definitive plan to increase the on-call allowance, ensuring that health care workers are fairly compensated for their time and dedication.
This will not only improve their financial situation, but also show that their efforts are recognised and valued.
Health Care Workers Are Not Ordinary Civil Servants
Health care workers carry more responsibilities and face more intense workloads than the average civil servant. Their duties are not limited to clinical tasks but extend to non-clinical and administrative responsibilities as well.
This multifaceted role requires a high level of skill, commitment, and resilience. It is imperative that this reality is recognised through their compensation and working conditions.
Health care workers are indispensable to the functioning of our health system and must be treated as such, with appropriate salaries, benefits, and working conditions that reflect their critical role.
Unlike other civil servants, health care workers deal directly with the lives and wellbeing of individuals. Their decisions and actions can mean the difference between life and death.
This level of responsibility demands that they be treated with the utmost respect and given the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively.
Protected Time Off For Continuing Education
To ensure the continuous improvement of health care services, it is crucial that health care workers are given protected time off to study and enhance their knowledge and skills.
This investment in their professional development is not just beneficial for them, but is also essential for the overall quality of health care services provided to the public.
The medical field is constantly evolving, with new treatments, technologies, and practices emerging regularly. Health care workers must stay updated with these changes to provide the best care possible.
However, without protected time off for study, it is challenging for them to keep up with the latest developments. The MOH must establish policies that guarantee health care workers have dedicated time for education and training without compromising their income or overburdening their schedules.
This will ensure that they can continue to provide high-quality care and improve patient outcomes.
The Inhumane Termination Of Contract Workers Who Fought Covid-19
During the Covid-19 pandemic, health care workers made immense sacrifices to protect and save lives. Contract medical officers were on the front lines, risking their health and safety to treat Covid-19 patients under extremely challenging conditions.
Their dedication and hard work were instrumental in managing the crisis and providing care to those in need.
However, the treatment of these contract workers post-pandemic has been nothing short of inhumane. Many of these contract medical officers, who previously contributed significantly in treating Covid-19 patients, are now being terminated from their jobs.
This is not just a professional blow, but a moral failing on the part of the MOH. How can we justify firing those who have given so much and shown such commitment during a national crisis?
These terminations are a betrayal of the trust and dedication these workers showed during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
The government must recognize the contributions of these contract workers and provide them with permanent positions. This is not just a matter of job security but a recognition of their service and sacrifices.
Terminating their contracts is a disservice to their dedication and hard work and undermines the very fabric of our health care system.
A Stern Warning: The Risk Of Strikes
The frustration and dissatisfaction among health care workers have reached a boiling point. If their grievances continue to be ignored, there is a real risk that they may organise a strike.
Such a strike would have devastating consequences for the country’s health care system and the wellbeing of its citizens. This is not a threat, but a stern warning that the government must heed.
Health care workers have shown remarkable patience and dedication despite the numerous challenges they face. However, their patience is not unlimited.
The government must take immediate and decisive action to address the legitimate concerns of health care workers to prevent such a scenario. Ignoring these issues will only lead to further dissatisfaction and potentially disrupt the entire health care system.
Conclusion: Moving Beyond Words To Action
The minister’s statement, while acknowledging the critical role of health care workers, falls short in providing the necessary assurances and actions required to address their grievances effectively.
The recognition of their value must be matched with concrete measures to improve their working conditions, salaries, and overall well-being.
Health care workers in Malaysia deserve more than just words of appreciation; they deserve a system that supports and values them through fair compensation, reasonable working hours, and job security.
It is imperative that the MOH moves beyond rhetoric and implements substantial reforms that reflect the true value of its health care workforce.
The time for vague promises and calls for patience is over. The health care workers of Malaysia need and deserve immediate, tangible changes that honor their invaluable contributions to the country.
Only through such actions can the MOH genuinely demonstrate its commitment to the wellbeing of its most vital assets: health care workers.
The government must recognise the urgency of these issues and act swiftly to ensure that health care workers are adequately supported, valued, and appreciated.
The health and wellbeing of the nation depend on it.
The author is a medical officer at a government hospital in the Klang Valley. CodeBlue is providing the author anonymity because civil servants are prohibited from writing to the press.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
