January-February . 2025 | The HEALTH
CONTENTS
03
The HEALTH says ...
Need for kindness
18-19
P18-19 Wrap them in a blanket ! Why pairing carbohydrates with protein or fat is key to balanced nutrition
P20 The obesity pandemic Malaysia is the ‘ most obese Asian country ’
P21 Inhale , Exhale , Protect The surprising science behind smoking and Parkinson ’ s disease
P22-23 The limbic system An overview of its structure , functions and importance
THE recent decision by the Ministry of Health Malaysia ( MoH ) to increase nurses ’ working hours from 42 to 45 hours a week has ignited a wave of criticism from the healthcare community .
While Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad insisted the decision was after careful discussions with various stakeholders , the reality on the ground tells a different story - one marked by exhaustion , burnout , and a looming crisis in the nursing profession .
For years , Malaysia ’ s healthcare system has struggled with chronic staffing shortages . The government ’ s attempt to address these issues by extending working hours raises serious concerns . Simply increasing nurses ’ workloads without hiring additional staff or providing necessary resources is not a sustainable solution .
Nurses ’ associations have expressed valid worries that this policy could lead to heightened stress levels , increased fatigue , and an alarming rate of nurses leaving the profession altogether .
The Delegation of Nurses ( DoN ) has been particularly vocal in its opposition to the 45-hour work week . They argue that this new policy places Malaysia at a disadvantage compared to its regional counterparts , such as Singapore and Indonesia , where nurses work fewer hours .
This comparison highlights a troubling trend : Malaysia ’ s approach to nursing is becoming increasingly out of step with international standards . By not aligning with practices in other countries , Malaysia risks creating an environment where nurses feel undervalued and overworked .
Moreover , the minister ’ s assurances that the new directive allows for flexible shifts , including breaks for meals and prayers , feel unrealistic given the realities faced by nurses . The daily pressures of the job often leave little room for such breaks , and the expectation to work longer hours without adequate support can lead to severe burnout .
Nurses are dedicated professionals who care deeply about their patients , but they are also human beings who need rest and support to perform their jobs effectively .
The government ’ s commitment to compassion and empathy in healthcare must first be reflected in how it treats its healthcare workers . The recent backlash against this policy , including calls for a rollback , is not merely a reaction to increased hours ; it is a profound expression of concern for the future of nursing in Malaysia .
If the government fails to heed these warnings and continues down this path , it risks losing qualified professionals to overseas opportunities or the private sector - further eroding the public healthcare system that so many depend on .
Additionally , the potential consequences of this decision extend beyond individual nurses . A stressed and overworked nursing staff can lead to poorer patient care , longer wait times , and , ultimately , a decrease in the quality of healthcare services . Nurses who are burnt out may struggle to provide the level of care that patients deserve , which can have serious repercussions for public health .
Given these challenges , the Health Ministry needs to rethink its approach . Real dialogue with nursing associations and seriously taking their feedback is vital for creating policies that support nurses rather than burden them .
The health of a nation relies on the well-being of its healthcare providers , and ignoring this connection could lead to serious long-term issues .