Schools to activate online learning if API breaches 200 mark
She said the decision follows existing guidelines jointly coordinated with the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry and the Health Ministry.
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The Star
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Getting 'creative' to reform nation's healthcare: Dr Dzul defends Rakan KKM initiative
PETALING JAYA: The controversial Rakan KKM initiative is an attempt to creatively reform the nation's healthcare system, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The Health Minister said that due to government's budgetary constraints, he had no choice but to get "creative". 'If you can't give me the resource, allow me to be resourceful. 'We want to retain our specialists, reduce the bleeding, and invest back into public facilities. 'I can't keep asking for more budget - so I'm unlocking value through reforms,' said Dzulkefly. Rakan KKM is a new initiative by the Health Ministry to introduce a "premium economy" or paid service within public hospitals and clinics. Various quarters have voiced fears that the incorporation of Rakan KKM Sdn Bhd signalled a move towards the privatisation of public health services. Dzulkefly was speaking at a launch of the book titled 'Crisis and Community: Covid-19 in Malaysia' at Gerakbudaya here on Sunday (July 27). The book is a compilation of essays on the Covid-19 crisis by all levels of society, edited by Bridget Welsh. At the forum, Dzulkefly insisted that health security must be dealt with 'the same urgency as we defend our borders". 'That means sustained investment in our healthcare workforce. 'I am introducing a "game-changing" initiative where public facilities collaborate with private sector specialists, likely under a GLIC (government-linked investment company) model. 'The idea is to generate revenue through elective services (non-emergency), possibly in specialised private wings within public hospitals. 'Funds generated would cross-subsidise public health services and infrastructure,' said Dzulkefly. He also stated that Covid-19 had shown that the healthcare system has inadequate social safety nets for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and the mentally ill. 'We must never again frame public health and economic survival as rigidly opposed choices. 'Future crisis governance must be targeted, empathetic, data-informed, and inclusive. 'We must design interventions that are community-driven and flexible - not one-size-fits-all,' said Dzulkefly, revealing that Malaysia's struggle to get vaccines earlier in the pandemic exposed a global system skewed in favour of the rich.
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Doctor accused of serial misconduct, molestation to face Health Ministry probe
KUALA LUMPUR: The case of a Penang doctor allegedly involved in repeated indecent acts will be escalated to the Health Ministry senior medical leadership for immediate assessment and action. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the case would be referred to the Health director-general, with further action to be taken based on expert advice and investigation outcomes. "I will immediately notify the director-general. "Cases like this fall under the responsibility of the director-general or deputy director-general for medical," he told reporters after attending the book launch of Crisis and Community: Covid-19 in Malaysia here today. He said the ministry takes such allegations seriously and follows up on every complaint lodged, even if the outcomes are not always made public. "If a complaint is made, we act on it. "Every case is followed through. "The public may not always see it, but we have internal mechanisms, including a dedicated committee, to address such matters," he said. The doctor in question was reportedly arrested on July 22 for allegedly molesting a female patient at a private clinic in Bayan Baru. It is understood that the same individual had previously been detained several times over similar allegations of indecent behaviour at a hospital in George Town. He was first arrested on Feb 27 for allegedly behaving inappropriately towards a 21-year-old female patient. Reports suggest the medical officer convinced the patient to undress under the pretext of conducting heart checks, without the presence of a female nurse. He was released on police bail on March 2, but was detained again on March 7 in connection with the same offence.
The Star
10 hours ago
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More incentives in the works to convince medical officers to remain in Borneo States
PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry will find ways to enhance the incentives and allowances for all personnel posted to Sabah and Sarawak, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He also said that about 20% of the medical officers who have applied to be transferred from Sabah and Sarawak to the Peninsula states may have to stay in their current postings. The Health Minister made this statement on Sunday (July 27) after launching the book titled 'Crisis and Community: Covid-19 in Malaysia', a compilation of essays on the Covid-19 crisis by people from all levels of society, edited by Bridget Welsh. He asked the medical officers stationed in the Borneo States to 'give it a chance," even if they are 'reluctant at first." It was reported that approximately 600 medical officers currently stationed in Sabah and Sarawak have applied for transfer to the Peninsula. The Health Ministry said that this has caused difficulties in ensuring that public health services are sufficiently provided to the people in Sabah and Sarawak. On July 24, the former chairman of the Malaysian Medical Association of Sabah branch, Dr Brandon Patrick, called for more doctors to be posted in Sabah and Sarawak, adding that incentives should be given to those posted to both states. He expressed his support for the Sabah government's proposal to provide an additional special allowance to doctors stationed in Sabah and Sarawak.
