Accra:The Joint Council of Presidents and Secretaries-General of the Health Ministry Workers Union (MAPSU) has expressed hope that the government will persist in addressing workforce shortages and heavy workloads in the healthcare sector, with a special focus on improving staff welfare in rural areas.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MAPSU President Ajulahin Japin emphasized the importance of enhancing allowances, incentives, and workplace facilities. He highlighted the need to address the challenges faced by healthcare staff in rural areas to ensure their welfare is safeguarded.

Ajulahin noted that recognizing the sacrifices and commitment of healthcare workers could enhance their motivation and improve healthcare service delivery. He welcomed the recent welfare initiatives for civil servants, particularly those aimed at healthcare workers, announced under Budget 2027.

The budget measures include increasing the Post-Basic Incentive from RM100 to RM200 a month for eligible nurses and paramedics and raising the Air Health Service Incentive from RM30 to RM100. These increases acknowledge the specialized skills and responsibilities of healthcare workers, especially in remote areas like Sabah and Sarawak, where logistical challenges are prevalent.

Additionally, Ajulahin welcomed the special financial assistance for civil servants and government pensioners, along with an increase in the minimum pension, as measures to alleviate the cost-of-living burden.