PUTRAJAYA: The maternity leave for medical officers at the Hulu Langat district health office in Selangor has been reinstated to 98 days, up from 60 days, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

Acknowledging the ongoing human resources challenges faced by the ministry, he said that the issue had been addressed even before it gained public attention.

He said the memorandum by the Selangor health department was part of a process to address human resource needs, particularly as seven medical officers were on maternity leave simultaneously at various health clinics in June and July.

"We acknowledge the need for human resources and the ministry faces challenges in this area. However, I want to emphasise that this matter has been resolved. The officers have been granted an extension of their leave to 98 days," he said in a press conference following the launch of the "First 1,000 Days of Life" strengthening programme.

Looking ahead, Dr Dzulkefly suggested that in the event of similar issues, the first step should be to mobilise or assign medical officers from other clinics to cover for staff on maternity leave.

"It shouldn't be a problem… (for example) we can assign medical officers from other districts (to fill in where there is a shortage)," he said.

Dr Dzulkefly said maternity leave was important and assured that the ministry would ensure that all eligible staff received their entitled leave.

"We discuss the 1,000 days requirement for mothers to provide psychological support and affection to their children, which is crucial. Therefore, the 98 days (of maternity leave) are very important. In the future, we will ensure that we, as a ministry, should show empathy and compassion towards our staff," he said.

On Aug 4, Selangor health department director Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsudin said the decision to approve maternity leave due to the lack of medical officers at the Hulu Langat district health office was agreed upon by all clinic heads in the district.

She said the situation was exacerbated by several medical officers rejecting their placements after being posted to Hulu Langat.

According to the Human Resource Services Circular (Leave Facility) Version 1.0 (2022), the allotted period for maternity leave was between 60 to 98 days for each birth with flexibility to determine the exact period, Dr Ummi said.

It was also reported that the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services had expressed disappointment to the Selangor health department for reducing maternity leave for its staff from 98 to 60 days.

Its president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said the government had approved a 98-day maternity leave in line with the demands of female public servants.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1087537/98-days-restored-health-ministry-reinstates-full-maternity-leave