KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 23): Medical officers who are instructed to work after office hours at health clinics can now claim a locum allowance of RM80 per hour effective immediately.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the decision was announced recently to address concerns among medical officers.

"We've resolved payment issues for doctors doing locum work. Every doctor will now be paid for the hours they work," he said when met after a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing between the Ministry of Health (MOH) and IHH Healthcare Malaysia (IIH Malaysia).

Previously, MOH had in a statement said the implementation of a pilot project to extend clinic operating hours near hospitals last year had been reviewed and the request to continue paying locum allowances was being considered by the Central Agency.

According to the statement, medical officers working on Saturdays and public holidays can still claim the locum allowance, while those working on Sundays from 9am to 1pm may request replacement leave with the Head of Department's approval.

The event on Friday saw MOH renew its MOU with IHH Healthcare Malaysia to provide care for 500 more cancer patients from hospitals under the ministry.

Dr Dzukefly said that starting March 1, these patients will receive free radiotherapy and radiosurgery treatment at IHH Malaysia's hospital network, including Pantai Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital and Prince Court Medical Centre.

"This MOU also supports the National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control (2021-2025) to expand access to care and treatment for cancer patients in the country," he said.

The MOU signed by MOH's deputy secretary general (finance) Datuk Seri Norazman Ayob and IHH  Malaysia chief executive officer Jean François Naa was witnessed by Dr Dzulkefly and IHH Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Mohammed Azlan Hashim.

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