KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 — The reduction of shift working hours from 45 to 42 hours per week for five critical service schemes under the Health Ministry (MOH) is expected to lighten the workload of healthcare personnel and enable better service delivery to patients.
Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department medical officer Dr Muhammad Shahril Amri Shaharani, 32, said the decision was a reflection of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of healthcare workers.
“When healthcare staff work overtime, coupled with staff shortages, work becomes ineffective and staff experience physical and mental fatigue,” he told Bernama recently.
Dr Shahril said the move would be more effective if it were accompanied by an increase in staffing to ease the current workload further.
Sharing a similar view, Ampang Hospital Emergency and Trauma Department assistant medical officer Muhammad Yusri Kamarudin, 26, said the move helps balance work responsibilities and personal life.
“We are often required to work double shifts to cover the workload, which causes physical strain, burnout, and emotional and mental stress,” he said.
Yusri expressed gratitude that he will now have more time to rest and care for his family, and no longer have to struggle with a packed schedule.
“We will have some time to rest after a shift, something we normally do not even get a chance to do. We usually do not even have time to eat.
"This move gives us greater flexibility to take care of ourselves and our families,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin Hospital nurse Wan Nor Syahida, 28, said the heavy workload and documentation tasks often left nurses exhausted, but the reduced hours will help lighten the burden and improve service quality.
“Although nurses officially work seven hours per shift, many still end up leaving late to complete tasks. The extensive documentation for each patient also adds to physical, mental, and emotional fatigue.
“If a nurse has to take care of more than 10 patients, they are forced to rush through tasks or treatment plans. Combined with the long working hours, this leads to exhaustion and a decline in work quality,” she said.
Syahida added that the shorter working hours give nurses the chance to get adequate rest and return home in a calmer state.
HKL nurse Nora Hashim, 50, said the improved shift system brings hope to healthcare workers and gives them more time for themselves and their families.
“We are already used to arriving early for handovers and staying late to pass on duties, sometimes over an hour late. This decision eases that pressure and helps us stay more focused on our duties,” she said.
Similar to Dr Shahril, Nora also hopes for an increase in staffing, especially in critical areas, to protect the welfare of nurses and other healthcare workers.
On July 11, the Public Service Department (JPA) announced that the government has agreed to exempt five critical service schemes under the ministry from implementing the 45-hour shift work week for nurses, community nurses, emergency department medical officers, assistant medical officers, and healthcare assistants.
It said this move reflects the Madani Government’s commitment to continue listening and taking action to safeguard the welfare of healthcare workers, who are the backbone of the national healthcare system.
— Bernama
