Reduced Working Hours Ease Burden On Healthcare Workers, Improve Service Quality

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) -- The reduction of shift working hours from 45 to 42 hours per week for five critical service schemes under the Ministry of Health (MoH) is expected to lighten the workload of healthcare personnel and enable better service delivery to patients.

Dr Muhammad Shahril Amri Shaharani, 32, a medical officer at the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department of Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) said the decision was a reflection of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of healthcare workers.

“When healthcare staff work overtime, coupled with staff shortages, work becomes ineffective and staff experience physical and mental fatigue,” he told Bernama recently.

Dr Muhammad Shahril said the move would be more effective if it were accompanied by an increase in staffing to further ease the current workload.

Sharing a similar view, Muhammad Yusri Kamarudin, 26, an assistant medical officer at the Emergency and Trauma Department of Ampang Hospital said the move helps balance work responsibilities and personal life.

“We are often required to work double shifts to cover the workload, which causes physical strain, burnout, and emotional and mental stress,” he said.

He expressed gratitude that he will now have more time to rest and care for his family, and no longer have to struggle with a packed schedule.

“We will have some time to rest after a shift, something we normally don’t even get a chance to do. We usually don’t even have time to eat. This move gives us greater flexibility to take care of ourselves and our families,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wan Nor Syahida, 28, a nurse at Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin Hospital in Kajang said the heavy workload and documentation tasks often left nurses exhausted, but the reduced hours will help lighten the burden and improve service quality.

“Although nurses officially work seven hours per shift, many still end up leaving late to complete tasks. The extensive documentation for each patient also adds to physical, mental, and emotional fatigue.

“If a nurse has to take care of more than 10 patients, they are forced to rush through tasks or treatment plans. Combined with the long working hours, this leads to exhaustion and a decline in work quality,” she said.

She added that the shorter working hours give nurses the chance to get adequate rest and return home in a calmer state.

Nora Hashim, 50, a nurse at HKL said the improved shift system brings hope to healthcare workers and gives them more time for themselves and their families.

“We are already used to arriving early for handovers and staying late to pass on duties, sometimes over an hour late. This decision eases that pressure and helps us stay more focused on our duties,” she said.

Similar to Dr Muhammad Shahril, Nora also hopes for an increase in staffing, especially in critical areas, to protect the welfare of nurses and other healthcare workers.

On July 11, the Public Service Department (PSD) announced that the government has agreed to exempt five critical service schemes under the ministry from the implementation of the 45-hour shift work week for nurses, community nurses, emergency department medical officers, assistant medical officers, and healthcare assistants.

PSD said this move reflects the MADANI Government’s commitment to continue listening and taking action to safeguard the welfare of healthcare workers, who are the backbone of the national healthcare system.

-- BERNAMA