Awareness on ex-gratia compensation scheme among medical department staff in a tertiary government hospital in Kuala Lumpur

The Ex-Gratia Compensation Scheme was introduced by the Government of Malaysia in 1994 to provide compensation, which is not covered by any prior legislation, for all its workers suffering from injuries and illnesses due to work. Despite more than ten years of implementation, the submission for claims is still minimal and there is an impression that awareness on the provision of Ex-Gratia benefit among government employees, especially health care staff, is poor. A cross sectional survey was conducted at a medical department of a government hospital in Kuala Lumpur to assess the knowledge and awareness level on Ex-Gratia among a representative group of front line health care workers. The results show that the respondents' knowledge on Ex-Gratia is generally poor as compared to knowledge on the Social Security (SOCSO) Schemes. Majority of the respondents are unsure whether they will be compensated in case of occupational illness and injuries. They also do not know what kind of compensation scheme they are currently eligible. There is an urgent need for the Treasury and health care managers to expand the knowledge and awareness on Ex-Gratia among health care workers.