GEORGE TOWN, July 12 — There is a need to review the working conditions of doctors following a tragic accident involving a doctor from Sungai Buloh Hospital which may have been caused by fatigue.
Agriculture and agro-based industry, health and rural development committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin wants the Health Ministry to improve the working conditions as well as maintain the welfare and fitness of doctors.
“These doctors perform under pressure every day and we urge the ministry to improve their work environment, especially in government hospitals,” he said.
Dr Afif proposed that government doctors work an average of 48 hours a week, and not exceeding 72 hours a week.
He said they should be given 20-minute breaks when working on extended shifts.
Rest rooms should also be made available for those on call.
“Rest is important because doctors are faced with life and death situations on a daily basis. It is important for them to have proper rest to focus on their job,” he said.
On Wednesday, Dr Afifah Mohd Ghazi of Sungai Buloh Hospital was killed when her car crashed into a tree, killing her on the spot.
She was on her way home after being called by the hospital to check on several patients.
Dr Afifah leaves behind husband Dr Mohd Hafizuddin Azman, a neurosurgeon in the same hospital.
