KUALA LUMPUR: The 45-hour work week for nurses, which was scheduled to begin on Saturday (March 1), has been postponed for three months, says Senator RA Lingeswaran.
He said the matter was relayed by Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad to MPs during a meeting in Parliament at 9am on Tuesday (Feb 25).
"I was the only Senator there. The discussion was more on the increase of insurance premiums and also workforce in healthcare.
"I brought up the 45-hour work week for nurses, which I think is not right.
"It was supported by Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman and he said 'okay, postpone (it) for three months'," said Lingeswaran.
He said further discussions would be held in Parliament soon.
Earlier in February, the Health Ministry said they would hold nationwide engagement sessions before making a final decision on implementing a 45-hour work week for shift-based staff, including nurses, assistant medical officers and ambulance drivers.
This comes after concerns were raised over a new directive under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) that would increase the weekly working hours for shift-based nurses from 42 to 45 hours.
The Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Health has also urged the Health Ministry to put off plans to implement a 45-hour work week for shift workers.
