Decision on medical officers' on-call allowance hike likely by June, says health minister
KOTA BARU, April 26 — The issue regarding the increase in on-call duty allowance (Etap) for medical officers is expected to be finalised by June at the latest, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said a committee chaired by Tan Sri Dr Abu Bakar Sulaiman, who is a former health director-general, is currently in the final stages of negotiations before the decision is finalised.
'The committee is actively discussing and is currently in the final phase of negotiation. We hope a decision can be reached soon.
'I understand the workload of health workers who work around the clock, and hope that all processes can be completed by June at the latest,' he told a press conference after opening the state-level 2025 Madani Afiat Programme in Tunjong, here, today.
Dzulkefly said this when asked to comment on the latest developments regarding the on-call allowance for health workers.
He said the welfare of health workers has always been a priority for him since helming the ministry.
'Waiting is torture. I hope this matter can be concluded in May because I know they are working very hard. We have reached the end of the discussion. God willing, this time we will resolve the matter,' he said.
It was previously reported that the Health Ministry had received approval to increase Etap for health workers.
Etap is compensation for the additional responsibilities carried out by medical officers in treating patients while on-call at hospitals after normal working hours. — Bernama
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
World Veterinary Day 2025 Honours Contributions Of Veterinary Profession
GENERAL PUTRAJAYA, June 23 (Bernama) -- The 2025 World Veterinary Day celebration took place today at Wisma Tani, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), to honour the role and contributions of veterinarians in animal health, food security, and public health in the country. In a statement today, KPKM said the event was officiated by the ministry's deputy secretary-general (Development), Datuk Badrul Hisham Mohd, who, in his speech, emphasised the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure high-quality veterinary services for the well-being of humans, animals, and the environment. 'Two figures were honoured with the Outstanding Veterinarian Award at the event, namely Datuk Dr Abd Aziz Jamaluddin in the Veterinary Services category and Prof Emeritus Datin Paduka Setia Datuk Dr Aini Ideris in the Veterinary Education category, in recognition of their collaborative contributions and continued excellence in their respective fields,' KPKM said. Abd Aziz was honoured for his comprehensive efforts in strengthening animal health, food security, and veterinary public health and Aini for her leadership and significant contributions to national veterinary education. Aini also delivered a lecture titled 'Enhancing One Health Strategy to Global Challenges', highlighting the importance of a holistic approach in addressing the interconnected challenges of human, animal, and environmental health. The celebration carried the theme 'Animal Health Takes A Team', underscoring the need for collaboration among veterinarians, industry players, and the community in safeguarding animal health and food safety. Introduced in 2000, World Veterinary Day is celebrated on the last Saturday of April each year as a tribute to the veterinary profession, which plays a vital role in global health. -- BERNAMA
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Allied health professionals must register by Dec 31 next year
PETALING JAYA: The transition period for the registration of allied health professionals with the government has been extended to Dec 31 next year. The Malaysian Allied Health Professionals Council, which operates under the supervision of the Health Ministry, said the decision on the extension was made at its recent meeting. 'It takes into account the need to implement the Allied Health Professions Act 2016 holistically and effectively, while taking into account policies, the interests of practitioners, and public wellbeing. 'The extension will provide sufficient time for all practitioners, especially those in the private sector, to comply with registration conditions and apply for certificates of practice,' it said in a statement on Monday (June 23). The initial registration deadline was slated for June 30 this year. Allied health professionals include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, speech therapists, dietitians or nutritionists, and medical laboratory technologists, among others. The council said the extension will allow the data of practitioners nationwide to be standardised and enhance its accuracy while also taking into account applications for certificates of practice. 'This enhances transparency in health services,' it said. Apart from the extension, a new online module dubbed the Malaysian Health Practitioners System will be introduced to aid the application process and the issuing of certificates from this month. 'All allied health professionals must obtain their certificate of practice before the transition period ends to practice legitimately,' it said. The council added that all allied health professionals whose services are listed under the Act must present their registration application to the council by Dec 31 next year. They must also obtain a legitimate certificate of practice within the stipulated extension period. 'Any unregistered practitioners or those found practising without a certificate will face action," the council said. It also advised the public to only seek the services of registered and certified allied health professionals.
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
PM Anwar Extends Aid To Struggling Hawker Family Battling Illness And Poverty
KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended financial assistance to a small-time hawker in Kuantan, Pahang, Mohd Zaki Che Ibrahim, 45, who has been struggling to repair his dilapidated home and care for his family, including a wife battling a chronic illness. The donation was presented by the Prime Minister's Political Secretary, Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, during a visit to the couple and their 18-year-old son under the Ziarah MADANI outreach programme. 'Every morning, Mohd Zaki sells breakfast at his small stall to support his family. 'Despite his wife's unstable health condition due to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), they persevere to keep the kitchen running and provide for their son,' Ahmad Farhan wrote in a Facebook post, which was also shared by the Prime Minister. According to Ahmad Farhan, the family's home is in poor condition, with a leaking roof, broken floor and cracked walls, adding to the daily challenges they face. 'As part of the Ziarah MADANI initiative, I came on behalf of the Prime Minister to deliver aid and assess what forms of assistance should be expedited to help this family live in safer and more comfortable conditions,' he said. Ahmad Farhan also expressed hope that the support offered would provide some relief to the family. 'Behind that breakfast stall lies a story of resilience unknown to many… and behind this gesture is a silent prayer that they will no longer have to endure hardship alone,' he added. -- BERNAMA
