SERI ISKANDAR: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad says the new directive mandating an additional three working hours per week for ward nurses from Dec 1 is considered reasonable.

"We are currently monitoring this matter. At present, the implementation of the shift work schedule at the hospital level involves about 42 hours per week.

"If it is increased to 45 hours per week, nurses would essentially work four to six days a week, with one to three days of rest per week, and no less than eight hours and no more than twelve hours of work per day.

"In addition, we provide a one-hour break during working hours. I believe this is very reasonable and well-justified," he said.

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Dr Dzulkefly spoke to reporters after the handover of the Hospital Seri Iskandar (HSI) project and additional blocks of Hospital Seri Manjung at HSI here today.

Present was Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

Under the civil service remuneration system (SSPA), ward nurses would be required to work an additional three hours per week.

Following this directive, hospitals were considering revising their current shifts for nurses to 7am–3pm, 3pm–10pm, and 10pm–7am the following day. Currently, the shift hours are 7am–2pm, 2pm–9pm, and 9pm–7am the following day.

He added that the ministry would continue to consider further improvements, as the issue of prioritising welfare, well-being and work-life balance was important, especially for healthcare workers.

"I believe we have carefully considered this. I am confident that, with this foundation, we are also ensuring sufficient rest periods.

"Ultimately, we envision a work schedule of four to six days a week, with one to three days of rest per week.

"If there are any concerns, we are ready to consider further improvements, particularly in maintaining the welfare and work-life balance of our nurses. We will pay attention to everything, God-willing," he said.

Yesterday, a news portal had reported concerns over a new directive under the SSPA, which would require ward nurses to work an additional three hours per week.

Senator R.A. Lingeshwaran, a former director of the Sungai Bakap Hospital in Penang, said the 45-hour work week was more suited for office-based civil servants working five days a week, from 8am to 5pm, with weekends off.