In a statement, Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy CEO Azrul Khalib said limiting the task force’s scope to compensation and scheduling would not resolve the root causes of the workforce crisis.

“It would be a mistake to reduce the recent controversy to these two issues,” he said, referring to the backlash that led to the cancellation of the Waktu Bekerja Berlainan (WBB) shift system.

“Though the task force is not expected to perform miracles or provide immediate solutions, it can help recognise and respond to the workforce crisis caused by vicious cycles of unmanageable workload and burnout.”

Yesterday, health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that the Cabinet has decided to cancel the controversial WBB system to allow for a more comprehensive study.

Dzulkefly said the health ministry has also established a task force to look into improving the delivery of healthcare services to the public and scheduling working hours.

Azrul supported the move but urged the government to consult directly with affected healthcare workers and called for the task force to complete its work within six months.

“We need long-term solutions and recommendations, and the resources and political will to implement them. The task force should not take more than six months to complete its job.”

Meanwhile, Bemban assemblyman Dr Yadzil Yaakub has questioned the health ministry for only forming a task force now.

In a statement, he pointed out that this should have been done earlier.

Yadzil, a medical doctor, also accused the government of “bad governance” in the decision to introduce the WBB system.

“A major question arises: from whom did the minister previously seek advice, and who were the 10 experts whose recommendations were used for implementing WBB?” he asked.