The group claimed that the Waktu Bekerja Berlainan (WBB) system did not have the “proper approval” of health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.
It criticised the ministry for what it called a “governance failure”, after a circular on the shift system was issued and scheduled for implementation without consultation with key stakeholders.
“This incident highlights systemic issues in the ministry’s leadership and decision-making processes,” it said in a statement.
Yesterday, Dzulkefly said the shift system was still just a proposal, adding that he had not approved it and that it remained a recommendation that was being fine-tuned.
Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira warned that the initiative might strain the already overburdened public healthcare system.
Kalwinder also said the system limited doctors and dentists in the public health service to 18 consecutive work hours, lower than the current 24 to 33 straight hours from on-call duties.
He said this would affect the income of public medical officers and specialists, as on-call allowances would only apply to those on call during weekends and public holidays.
Calls for reforms
HDK also called for immediate action against individuals responsible for bypassing proper procedures, and demanded the immediate suspension of the WBB pilot project, describing it as “unjust and illogical”.
The group argued that thorough consultations with healthcare professionals and stakeholders are necessary before any such programme is implemented.
It also called for the establishment of an independent health services commission to address systemic issues in the public healthcare system.
“This commission would eliminate lobbying and half-baked solutions, provided its members are carefully selected capable leaders,” it said.
The group also voiced frustration over a recent town hall meeting where health ministry leadership reportedly insisted on moving forward with the WBB pilot despite widespread opposition from doctors.
“This underscores a severe disconnect between Putrajaya and the realities faced by healthcare workers on the ground,” it said.