SERI ISKANDAR: Implementing a 45-hour work week for nurses, an increase from the average of 42 hours, will not disrupt their welfare and work-life balance, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said that this adjustment aligns with General Order 5 Chapter G (SSPA), which reduced the current 46-hour mandate by one hour.
"Currently, the work schedule at a hospital averages around 42 hours per week. This is not in compliance with regulations. By implementing a 45-hour work week with added flexibility, employees would work four to six days a week and have one to three days off.
“It is important to ensure that rest periods are no shorter than eight hours and that working hours do not exceed 12 hours per day. Additionally, a one-hour break will be provided during shifts.
"This decision has been carefully considered. We took into account the importance of proper rest. The welfare and work-life balance will be given due attention," Dzulkefly said at the Hospital Seri Iskandar project and the Hospital Seri Manjung additional block handover ceremony on Thursday (Nov 21).
Meanwhile, he said that the 24-hour emergency services at the Tanjung Malim Health Clinic would not continue due to conflicting policies and the facility's capabilities.
"The emergency services provided at the clinic are only meant for hospitals with the necessary facilities and manpower.
"According to guidelines, health clinics fall under public health services, which are not meant to handle emergencies but are instead under the purview of hospitals," Dzulkefly said.
He said that the Tanjung Malim Health Clinic would continue its normal operations from 8am to 5pm and after 5pm, patients needing care would be advised to contact the clinic for non-emergency issues like stomach aches or fever.
For patients needing treatment for chronic illnesses such as heart failure or stroke, he said they will be advised to call 999 for emergency assistance. An ambulance will be provided to transport patients to Slim River Hospital.
