Malaysia’s health care system has long been a source of national pride, providing accessible and affordable medical care to millions.
However, a crucial component of this system – the government doctors – is under significant stress due to an outdated and grossly inadequate on-call rate of RM9 per hour. This rate has remained unchanged for years, despite the increasing demands and challenges faced by these professionals.
It is high time the government recognises the need to revise and raise the on-call rates for government doctors to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of our health care system.
Current State of On-Call Rates
Government doctors in Malaysia work tirelessly, often beyond their scheduled hours, to provide essential medical services. Our on-call duties, which require doctors to be available at any time of the day or night, are particularly strenuous.
Despite this, the compensation for such demanding work remains a meager RM9 per hour. This rate is not only inadequate but also fails to reflect the true value of the services provided by these doctors.
In comparison, a cashier in Malaysia typically earns around RM10 to RM12 per hour, depending on the location and employer. It is startling that the on-call rate for doctors, who hold life-and-death responsibilities, is comparable to or even less than that of a cashier, whose job, while important, and does not involve the same level of critical decision-making and stress.
Impact On Health Care Professionals
The on-call rate of RM9 per hour is a glaring example of how contributions of government doctors are undervalued. This low compensation rate fails to consider the high levels of stress, responsibility, and sacrifice involved in on-call duties.
Doctors often have to work long, unscheduled hours, sometimes without proper rest, which can severely impact their physical and mental health. On-call shifts can last more than 30 hours, during which doctors are expected to remain alert and make crucial medical decisions.
The financial strain caused by such low remuneration adds to their burden, leading to frustration and a decline in job satisfaction.
Such inadequate compensation can deter talented individuals from pursuing careers in the public health care sector. Young doctors may opt for private practice or seek opportunities abroad where their efforts are better rewarded.
This brain drain can have serious repercussions on the quality of health care services available to the Malaysian public, particularly in rural and underserved areas where government doctors are often the primary, if not the only, providers of medical care.
Ethical And Professional Considerations
The issue of fair compensation for on-call duties is not just a financial matter; it is an ethical one. The current rate of RM9 per hour does not reflect the level of professional expertise, commitment, and dedication required from government doctors.
These health care professionals are entrusted with the lives and wellbeing of patients, making critical decisions that can mean the difference between life and death. It is only fair that their compensation reflects the gravity of their responsibilities.
Moreover, such low payment is insulting to the profession and undermines the respect and recognition that doctors deserve. The comparison to cashier wages starkly highlights this disparity.
While both roles are essential, the skills, training, and responsibilities of a doctor far exceed those of a cashier, and this should be appropriately reflected in their remuneration.
Additionally, fair compensation is essential for maintaining high standards of medical care. When doctors are fairly remunerated, they are more likely to be motivated, focused, and committed to providing the best possible care to their patients.
Conversely, inadequate compensation can lead to demotivation, increased errors, and a decline in the overall quality of care, which ultimately affects patient outcomes.
Economic Argument
Raising the on-call rate for government doctors is not just a moral imperative but also makes economic sense. Investing in the health care workforce can lead to significant long-term benefits for the country.
Better-compensated doctors are more likely to stay in the public sector, reducing the need for costly recruitment and training of new staff. Furthermore, a well-supported health care workforce can contribute to improved public health outcomes, reducing the overall burden on the health care system and associated costs.
A higher on-call rate can also serve as an incentive for doctors to work in rural and underserved areas, addressing the chronic shortage of medical professionals in these regions. This can lead to more equitable health care distribution across the country, ensuring that all Malaysians have access to quality medical services regardless of their location.
Recommendations And Conclusion
To address this pressing issue, the government should take immediate steps to revise and raise the on-call rates for government doctors.
A comprehensive review of the current compensation structure is necessary to ensure that it is aligned with the demands and challenges of modern medical practice. The following recommendations can serve as a starting point:
- Increase the on-call rate: The government should significantly raise the on-call rate from the current RM9 to RM25 per hour, or a level that reflects the true value of the services provided by doctors. This increase should be substantial enough to address the financial and professional needs of health care professionals.
- Regular review and adjustment: Establish a mechanism for regular review and adjustment of on-call rates to keep pace with inflation and changes in the cost of living. This will ensure that the compensation remains fair and adequate over time.
- Comprehensive benefits package: Enhance the overall benefits package for government doctors, including health insurance, housing allowances, and professional development opportunities. This can help attract and retain talented medical professionals in the public sector.
- Supportive work environment: Improve the working conditions for government doctors by addressing issues such as excessive workloads, lack of resources, and inadequate support staff. A supportive work environment can enhance job satisfaction and performance.
In conclusion, the current on-call rate for government doctors in Malaysia is not only outdated but also unjust. Raising this rate is crucial for acknowledging the invaluable contributions of these health care professionals and ensuring the sustainability of our health care system.
By taking decisive action, the government can demonstrate its commitment to the well-being of both doctors and patients, ultimately leading to a healthier and more prosperous nation.
The author is a medical officer from a government hospital in the Klang Valley. CodeBlue is giving 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.
