New Delhi: The Ministry of Health (MoH) is taking significant steps to address pressing workforce challenges by deliberating the implementation of the “Waktu Bekerja Berlainan” (WBB) system. The proposed initiative, designed to transform work schedules for healthcare personnel, is a key agenda at a three-day retreat focusing on human resource issues, service delivery, and equitable staff distribution.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad emphasised the importance of the WBB system in tackling burnout and improving the quality of life for medical officers. “WBB aims to reduce fatigue, enhance welfare, and optimise service delivery to the public,” he said during a press conference recently.
Key features of the proposed WBB system:
- Shorter on-call hours: Active on-call duty would be reduced from 33 hours to 18 hours per session.
- Capped consecutive work hours: No medical officer would work more than 24 consecutive hours.
- Reduced weekly workload: Weekly working hours would be limited to 72, down from the current 99 hours caused by three on-call sessions.
The WBB proposal stems from targeted engagement sessions conducted with healthcare personnel since January 22, 2024. These discussions included medical officers and specialists from various departments, providing valuable insights into improving working conditions while maintaining high service standards.“This system is designed to complement existing on-call and shift systems while prioritising the well-being of our medical workforce,” Dzulkefly added.
The retreat, which runs until January 19, brings together MoH leadership to develop actionable strategies for improving healthcare delivery and addressing staff distribution disparities. If implemented, WBB could mark a transformative step toward ensuring a healthier, more sustainable work environment for Malaysia’s healthcare workforce.
For medical professionals, the potential shift signals a move toward improved work-life balance and a commitment to workforce welfare, which is at the heart of the nation’s healthcare system.
