As a specialist, I’m not sure if I should laugh or cry when I heard about the Waktu Bekerja Berlainan (WBB) shift system. But what I do know is that it’s time for medical professionals to learn how to play the administrator’s game.
Lesson #1: Doctors are professionals, but we’re part of the civil service that is blind to the type of profession. We are just servants based on our salary grade. So we need to behave like Pegawai Tadbir Diplomatik (PTD).
Be like our friends – the lawyers in the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and the engineers in the Public Works Department (JKR).
Lesson #2: You are being paid to see patients within a 45-hour period in a week. Why stay longer? Just do what is needed within the time period.
Lesson #3: “It’s not my problem” is a new skill we need to adopt. Why is it not my problem? Because it’s not my punca kuasa to solve it. I am not being paid enough to do it.
With WBB, if clinics need to shut down, let it be. If the quality of care deteriorates, let it be. Why care when the Ivory Tower knows best? Let them care.
Lesson #4: Problems created by Jawatan Utama Sektor Awam (JUSA) should be solved by JUSA. So to those who haven’t attained JUSA yet, just chill and remember Lesson #2. The JUSA will never support you because they also need to jaga periuk nasi.
Lesson #5: If the Ivory Tower team cannot get their communication correct, then don’t expect us to get it right. Go back to Lesson #3.
Lesson #6: If you have mental problems or an emotional breakdown, just get help. The civil service has many leave perks. Use any of them.
No manpower because we are on leave? Go back to Lesson #3. If the Head of Department (usually the JUSA) scolds you, don’t worry. Learn a new skill: write a “kite letter” or perhaps go through Sistem Pengurusan Aduan Awam (SISPAA).
Lesson #7: Get out when you get a better offer. Just do it and don’t look back.
It’s time to give administrators what they deserve. By God, they don’t deserve us. Let them be. The public health care system is only as good as the Turus Tertinggi Ibu Pejabat.
We are seeing the weak leading the weak, the clueless driving the clueless, and advisors who are just there as “yes boss.”
To the Ivory Tower Team, what is it that you truly want?
The author is a specialist doctor at 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.
