Government Must Listen: MCA Deputy Treasurer-General Urges Action on Doctors' On-Call Allowance and Medical Staff Welfare

MCA Deputy Treasurer-General Datuk IR Lawrence Low, expressed his disappointment over the Public Service Department's (PSD) decision not to consider increasing the allowance for doctors assigned to on-call duty. According to Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK), the PSD had rejected the Health Ministry's proposal earlier this year to adjust doctors' on-call allowances, stating that other allowances were sufficient.

Low expressed that the demand by the government doctors for a RM25/hour weekend on-call allowance is a reasonable request, as the current allowance of RM9 per hour for 36 hours of non-stop work is not sufficient for doctors with heavy workloads.

"While we urge the government to restudy and adjust the on-call allowance system for doctors, we also understand that the government may not be able to fully fulfill the requisitions. However, we strongly urge relevant units to at least consider making adjustments to cope with inflation, the increased workloads and cost of living, including increasing the on-call allowance. This is a reasonable demand that reflects the heavy workload and sacrifices of our medical doctors."

Low also pointed out that the lack of proper focus by the government is one of the factors driving more medical staff to leave the public service. Unfair salaries, poor welfare protection, poor working environments, and insufficient manpower have led to a rapid increase in the number of medical staff leaving the public service sector. The gradual exodus of medical staff from government hospitals will further weaken the healthcare system.

In response to rumors circulating on the internet that doctors are going on strike, Low stated, "Rome was not built in one day. We all know that striking is not a solution, we understand that it may be seen as a last resort for doctors who are facing difficult working conditions, but what we really need is policy empathy from the authorities.

Low also upholds the principle of "primum non nocere" in the medical field, which means that the doctor's first consideration is not to harm the patient. "I agree with this statement, but I also think that the relevant authorities in our country should face up to the embarrassment that has plagued government doctors for a long time."

Low emphasises that medical personnel are of paramount importance to the country, and the potential collapse of the medical system cannot be ignored. He urges the government, Ministry of Health, and related units to attentively address the concerns of healthcare professionals.

"Let us not forget that the doctors and healthcare workers are the backbone of our society. They are the ones on the frontlines, risking their lives to keep us safe and healthy. They have sacrificed so much, yet their contributions are often overlooked and undervalued. It is time for us to show them the respect and appreciation they deserve. We urge the government and relevant authorities to take immediate action to address the concerns of our doctors, and to create a system that truly values and supports their work. By doing so, we will not only improve the present but also secure a better future for generations to come."

-MCA online-