PETALING JAYA: The on-call allowance for healthcare workers has been raised by about 40%, with this initiative being implemented retrospectively effective Oct 1.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said some RM120 million would be spent on this annually, adding that this was the government’s way to show its appreciation for the various medical officers, specialists and dentists serving the country.
He acknowledged that the allowance had not been reviewed since 2011.
“Specialists will have their on-call allowance raised to RM350 from RM250 previously,” he said.
On general practitioners’ consultation fees, Anwar said the government has agreed to revise the range between RM10 and RM80, compared to the previous range of RM10 to RM35.
“This would allow greater flexibility to the level of service offered, while maintining a minimum rate that does not burden the public,” he said.