PETALING JAYA: Although the Public Service Department (JPA) has rejected the health ministry’s proposal to increase the on-call allowance for government hospital doctors, minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa said she would continue to approach and negotiate with the JPA to fight for better allowances for government hospital doctors,

She admitted that the RM9 per hour rate had remained unchanged for many years and needed to be reviewed, adding that overtime allowances for many private companies were higher than those offered to government doctors.

She told Sin Chew Daily, “Although JPA has rejected our proposal, I won’t say that’s it! We will continue to approach and negotiate with them, and explain why the allowance rate needs to be revised.”

Hartal Doktor Kontrak revealed yesterday that the JPA had rejected the health ministry’s proposal earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Mogok Doktor Malaysia has called on some 8,000 contract doctors to stage a nationwide walkout for three days from April 3, if their demands are not met.