{
  "id": 17823449,
  "title": "Health ministry upgrades service scheme for its drivers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/health-ministry-upgrades-service-scheme-for-its-drivers",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T16:02:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/11/03/health-ministry-upgrades-service-scheme-for-its-drivers"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The health ministry has enhanced its driver service scheme to bolster the operational capability of health logistics, including ambulances, according to Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad. The upgrade transforms the scheme into a skilled service (H) under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), as reported by Bernama. Ahmad emphasized that this restructuring is crucial to ensure ambulance drivers possess both skill and multi-skills, aligning with stringent emergency standards for patient safety.\n\nCurrently, the ministry's logistics services, including ambulances, operate effectively. Out of 8,863 driver positions, 7,687 (86.7%) have been filled. To prevent service disruptions, the ministry allows competent general service assistants to conduct driving duties at relevant facilities. This test has been successfully completed on October 27.\n\nNew skilled drivers will be recruited in phases, commencing in April 2027, in partnership with the Public Services Commission (SPA), according to Ahmad.",
  "summary": "Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad also says a new recruitment exercise is to begin in April 2027.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Peninsula Qatar",
        "title": "Qatar's Ministry of Public Health recalls all batches of Clasgen eye drops",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/qatars-ministry-of-public-health-recalls-all-batches-of-clasgen-eye",
        "published": "2026-11-02T15:43:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}