KOTA KINABALU: Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s allegation about the condition of health workers while combating Covid-19 in Sabah should be verified and not merely brushed aside, said Sabah Medical Services Union president Ajulahin Japin.
Ajulahin who is also Sabah Cuepacs secretary said the union appreciates parties highlighting worker issues with genuine intention and the best way of getting the real facts of the case is to go down to the ground.
“We have received complaints from health workers especially during this critical Covid-19 situation. We have channelled the complaints to the Health Ministry, and have received feedback on how to improve the situation.
“Our interest is the welfare of our health workers and we also give feedback to health authorities on how to improve workers’ welfare. Among this includes making sure their overtime claims and allowances are paid accordingly,“ he said when contacted by Bernama today.
On Wednesday, a commotion erupted in the Dewan Rakyat sitting when Tiong questioned why Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah did not go to the field to see for himself the situation on Covid-19 in Kota Kinabalu and said that ‘DG (Health DG) takut mati’ (was afraid to die).
Describing the language used by Tiong as unnecessary, Ajulahin nevertheless said his side was willing to go along with any politician to identify areas that needed more attention especially for health workers here even though the working condition is improving.
“We are always in touch with our fellow members especially the frontliners in this pandemic. We are aware of the tremendous pressure and stress our healthcare workers are facing right now. Any effort to lessen the work stress is welcome.
“Working on a 12-hour shift can be very stressful and despite that, our health care workers are still performing way beyond the call of duty. We must thank the many NGOs and individuals who have come forward to contribute PPE (personal protective equipment) and food,“ he said.
He said the union is thankful to the various heads of health facilities in Sabah for taking good care of the health workers in Sabah and other states in the country.
“Some workers are concerned about their accumulated annual leave being forfeited. A request for an extension of the validity period has been sent to Public Service Department, but has yet to get a response,“ he said. -Bernama
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