KUALA LUMPUR, August 6 — Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK) has condemned the “draconian” restriction of maternity leave to 60 days for medical officers in public health clinics under the Hulu Langat district health office (PKD).
HDK pointed out that the World Health Organization (WHO) mandates compliance with International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards of minimum 14 weeks, or 98 days, of maternity leave and support for breastfeeding.
“Hulu Langat PKD’s actions fall woefully short of these standards, highlighting a severe misalignment with international labour norms,” HDK said in a statement yesterday.
“It is particularly hypocritical that the government mandates 98 days of paid maternity leave for the private sector while failing to uphold the same standard within its own institutions.
“This double standard not only undermines trust and morale among public sector employees, but also exposes a glaring inconsistency in the government’s commitment to fair labour practices.”
HDK described maternity leave as a “fundamental right” that is critical for the health and well-being of both mother and infant.
Under the 2022 amendment of the Employment Act 1955 that covers all private sector employees – which came into force on January 1, 2023 – minimum paid maternity leave entitlement was increased from 60 to 98 days.
HDK called for intervention from the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. “Their involvement is crucial to safeguard the rights of female health care workers and ensure equitable policies across all sectors.”
Selangor state health director Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsudin cited manpower shortages in justifying Hulu Langat PKD’s decision to cut maternity leave for medical officers in Klinik Kesihatan from 90 to 60 days.
She also noted that seven medical officers in a few public health clinics were on maternity leave at the same time since last June, while several medical officers who were instructed to report for duty at Hulu Langat PKD had rejected their placements.
“The response from Selangor state health director Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsudin, a woman herself, shows a lack of empathy and humanity, and is unbecoming of a leader,” HDK said.
The contract doctors’ group also pointed out that it had repeatedly warned the Ministry of Health (MOH) about the consequences of manpower shortages from poor policy decisions since 2016.
“The failure to address long-standing staffing issues has culminated in this detrimental policy change, jeopardising the well-being of medical officers. While prioritising public service, the Ministry of Health manages to alienate and mistreat its own medical staff.”
HDK urged Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad to urgently review and rectify the management practices of directors and department heads in the MOH.
“Ineffective leaders and those perpetuating a culture of insensitivity and disregard for health care workers’ welfare must be removed,” HDK said.
“Immediate action is necessary to uphold the rights and dignity of medical officers and to ensure a robust and humane health care system. These short-sighted, poor policies are precisely why medical officers reject government posts and continue to exit government service.”
