Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Medical Services Union (SMSU) has voiced full support for Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s reminder to enforce early leave privileges for pregnant civil servants.
The Minister recently urged all Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities to comply with the Public Service Department (PSD) Service Circular No. 11/2017, which grants female civil servants who are at least 22 weeks pregnant the right to leave work an hour earlier.
SMSU President Ajulahin Japin, who also chairs Sabah Cuepacs, described the directive as a vital reaffirmation of the rights of healthcare workers. The policy has been in effect since January 2018.
While acknowledging operational challenges faced by healthcare facilities, Ajulahin stressed that such difficulties should not be used to deny this entitlement.
“Compliance with the circular is essential for the welfare of both mother and child,” he said.
The union, which represents around 10,000 employees under the Sabah Health Department, also backed the Minister’s call for department heads and supervisors to address issues faced by pregnant nurses and contract staff under the MySTEP scheme fairly and promptly.
“Protecting the welfare of healthcare workers is vital to sustaining a motivated and resilient workforce,” Ajulahin added.
He said SMSU is ready to work with the Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders to ensure the policy is properly implemented at all healthcare facilities.
The union reiterated that the well-being of workers, particularly expectant mothers, must remain a top priority in the public service.
The Minister recently urged all Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities to comply with the Public Service Department (PSD) Service Circular No. 11/2017, which grants female civil servants who are at least 22 weeks pregnant the right to leave work an hour earlier.
SMSU President Ajulahin Japin, who also chairs Sabah Cuepacs, described the directive as a vital reaffirmation of the rights of healthcare workers. The policy has been in effect since January 2018.
While acknowledging operational challenges faced by healthcare facilities, Ajulahin stressed that such difficulties should not be used to deny this entitlement.
“Compliance with the circular is essential for the welfare of both mother and child,” he said.
The union, which represents around 10,000 employees under the Sabah Health Department, also backed the Minister’s call for department heads and supervisors to address issues faced by pregnant nurses and contract staff under the MySTEP scheme fairly and promptly.
“Protecting the welfare of healthcare workers is vital to sustaining a motivated and resilient workforce,” Ajulahin added.
He said SMSU is ready to work with the Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders to ensure the policy is properly implemented at all healthcare facilities.
The union reiterated that the well-being of workers, particularly expectant mothers, must remain a top priority in the public service.
