SHAH ALAM: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is set to convene a meeting with nurses’ unions tomorrow to discuss the recent decision to extend working hours from 42 to 45 per week, effective December 1. This move comes as part of the implementation of the new Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that the meeting would involve five key nurses’ unions. These unions, including the Malayan Nurses Union, the Union of Midwives and Community Nurses of Government Services of Peninsular Malaysia, the Sabah Health Services Union, the Sarawak Health Services Union, and the Ministry of Health Workers Union, have expressed their readiness to engage in discussions and provide feedback on the directive.

Dr Dzulkefly emphasized the importance of ensuring that the interests, welfare, and well-being of nurses are protected as the new directive is implemented. He highlighted the necessity of holding multiple engagement sessions with sta
keholders to address issues swiftly and efficiently. His remarks were made during a press conference at the 10th International Conference on Traditional and Complementary Medicine (10th INTRACOM) 2024 at the NIH Auditorium.

The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) had previously called on the MOH to engage in comprehensive dialogues with professional bodies, such as the Malayan Nurses Union, to foster a collaborative approach in developing fair and practical policies.

In related news, Dr Dzulkefly commented on the Education Ministry’s (MOE) Healthy Mind Screening program, acknowledging the MOH’s respect for the initiative. While the MOH has yet to evaluate the program’s effectiveness, it expressed readiness to collaborate with the MOE to ensure the screenings produce optimal results. The Healthy Mind Screening program, introduced by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, aims to detect emotional distress among students, with screenings conducted annually for students from Year Five to Form Six.