Latest news with #AlliedHealthProfessionsAct2016
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Recognising unsung care heroes
WHEN we think of healthcare, doctors and nurses often come to mind. However, there is another group of professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes, the allied health professionals (AHP). These experts play a pivotal role in delivering patient-centred care, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive services, from diagnosis to recovery and rehabilitation. Who Are AHP? AHP encompass a wide range of specialists such as medical laboratory scientist, physiotherapists, radiographers, dietitians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and many more. They provide essential services in diagnostics, rehabilitation, therapeutic services and prevention. Whether they help patients regain mobility after an accident or diagnose complex conditions using cutting-edge technology, AHP are integral to healthcare delivery. AHP are the backbone of sustainable rehabilitative care. Their role goes far beyond diagnosis or acute hospital care. They are essential to a holistic, people-centred approach that begins before diagnosis and continues through recovery, especially within primary health care and community-based settings. Impact of AHP AHP perform crucial tasks that directly impact patient outcomes. For instance, radiographers use imaging technologies like X-rays and MRIs to provide the data doctors rely on for critical decisions. Clinical laboratory technologists analyse blood samples, providing essential information for treatment plans. Rehabilitation services further highlight AHP's contributions. Physiotherapists help patients recover mobility after surgery or injury while occupational therapists promote independence in everyday activities. During the Covid-19 pandemic, respiratory therapists and laboratory technologists were instrumental in managing ventilators and processing test samples, ensuring timely, life-saving care. Addressing need for recognition and resources Despite their vital role, AHP's efforts often go unseen. The Allied Health Professions Act 2016 (Act 774) addresses the registration of individuals practising as AHP, elevating them in Malaysia. However, beyond registration, greater recognition and investment in AHP are essential for their continued contribution to the healthcare sector. Recognising the contributions of AHP is essential to raising public awareness, showcasing their value and creating greater opportunities for professional growth and recognition. One way to enhance visibility is by incorporating AHP into national healthcare policies, ensuring their roles are acknowledged in workforce planning and service delivery models. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can educate communities on the services that AHP provide, fostering appreciation for their work. Establishing recognition programmes, such as national awards or career advancement pathways, can also motivate and retain talent within the profession. In terms of resources, more efforts should be made to expand educational opportunities for aspiring AHP. Universities and training institutions should be encouraged to offer specialised AHP programmes, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals. Moreover, increasing access to continuous professional development courses, workshops and certification programmes will enable AHP to stay updated with the latest advancements in their fields. Innovators in healthcare AHP are more than just support staff, they are innovators driving advancements in healthcare in a multidisciplinary team. Their expertise in adopting new diagnostic tools and therapeutic techniques help enhance service delivery and improve patient outcomes. Public-private partnerships play a key role in transforming healthcare systems. Meeting the human capacity needs of the AHP is not something we can do alone; it requires strong partnerships. Collaboration between academia, the government and private sectors is vital. From diagnosis to rehabilitation, the contributions of AHP are essential in patient care. As healthcare continue to evolve, it is crucial to recognise and support these professionals who ensure that every patient receives comprehensive, high-quality care.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Allied Health Professionals Key to Holistic Patient Care
WHEN we think of healthcare, doctors and nurses often come to mind. However, there is another group of professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes, the allied health professionals (AHP). These experts play a pivotal role in delivering patient-centred care, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive services, from diagnosis to recovery and rehabilitation. Who Are AHP? AHP encompass a wide range of specialists such as medical laboratory scientist, physiotherapists, radiographers, dietitians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and many more. They provide essential services in diagnostics, rehabilitation, therapeutic services and prevention. Whether they help patients regain mobility after an accident or diagnose complex conditions using cutting-edge technology, AHP are integral to healthcare delivery. AHP are the backbone of sustainable rehabilitative care. Their role goes far beyond diagnosis or acute hospital care. They are essential to a holistic, people-centred approach that begins before diagnosis and continues through recovery, especially within primary health care and community-based settings. Impact of AHP AHP perform crucial tasks that directly impact patient outcomes. For instance, radiographers use imaging technologies like X-rays and MRIs to provide the data doctors rely on for critical decisions. Clinical laboratory technologists analyse blood samples, providing essential information for treatment plans. Rehabilitation services further highlight AHP's contributions. Physiotherapists help patients recover mobility after surgery or injury while occupational therapists promote independence in everyday activities. During the Covid-19 pandemic, respiratory therapists and laboratory technologists were instrumental in managing ventilators and processing test samples, ensuring timely, life-saving care. Addressing need for recognition and resources Despite their vital role, AHP's efforts often go unseen. The Allied Health Professions Act 2016 (Act 774) addresses the registration of individuals practising as AHP, elevating them in Malaysia. However, beyond registration, greater recognition and investment in AHP are essential for their continued contribution to the healthcare sector. Recognising the contributions of AHP is essential to raising public awareness, showcasing their value and creating greater opportunities for professional growth and recognition. One way to enhance visibility is by incorporating AHP into national healthcare policies, ensuring their roles are acknowledged in workforce planning and service delivery models. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can educate communities on the services that AHP provide, fostering appreciation for their work. Establishing recognition programmes, such as national awards or career advancement pathways, can also motivate and retain talent within the profession. In terms of resources, more efforts should be made to expand educational opportunities for aspiring AHP. Universities and training institutions should be encouraged to offer specialised AHP programmes, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals. Moreover, increasing access to continuous professional development courses, workshops and certification programmes will enable AHP to stay updated with the latest advancements in their fields. Innovators in healthcare AHP are more than just support staff, they are innovators driving advancements in healthcare in a multidisciplinary team. Their expertise in adopting new diagnostic tools and therapeutic techniques help enhance service delivery and improve patient outcomes. Public-private partnerships play a key role in transforming healthcare systems. Meeting the human capacity needs of the AHP is not something we can do alone; it requires strong partnerships. Collaboration between academia, the government and private sectors is vital. From diagnosis to rehabilitation, the contributions of AHP are essential in patient care. As healthcare continue to evolve, it is crucial to recognise and support these professionals who ensure that every patient receives comprehensive, high-quality care. Assoc Prof Dr Phelim Yong is the head of the School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at Taylor's University and L. Mageswary is the director at the Allied Health Sciences Division in the Health Ministry. Comments: letters@
Barnama
24-06-2025
- Health
- Barnama
MAHPC Extends Allied Health Practitioners' Registration Deadline To Dec 2026
PUTRAJAYA, June 23 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council (MAHPC) has extended the transition period for the registration of allied health practitioners by 18 months, from the original deadline of June 30 this year to Dec 31, 2026. In a statement today, MAHPC said the decision was finalised at its 13th Council Meeting after considering the need to ensure the comprehensive and effective implementation of the Allied Health Professions Act 2016 [Act 774], along with policy considerations, practitioners' interests and public well-being. 'This extension aims to provide sufficient time for all practitioners, especially those in the private sector, to complete documentation and fulfill the registration and practicing certificate (APC) requirements. 'The move also supports more accurate national data alignment on practitioners, thereby strengthening verification systems for valid practice and enhancing transparency in healthcare service monitoring,' the statement read. In line with efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework, MAHPC will introduce a new module in the Malaysian Health Practitioners System (MHPS) online platform for APC applications and issuance starting this June. MAHPC said all registered allied health practitioners are required to obtain a valid Annual Practising Certificate (APC) before the end of the transition period on Dec 31, 2026, in order to practice legally. Accordingly, all individuals practicing in any allied health profession listed in the Second Schedule of Act 774 must submit their registration applications to MAHPC on or before Dec 31, 2026, and must also obtain a valid APC within the extended period. 'Any practice carried out without registration and a valid APC after that date is considered an offence and may be subject to legal action under Act 774. 'This Act was established to protect the public by ensuring that practice is carried out only by individuals who are qualified, competent and ethical,' the statement added.
The Star
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Allied health professionals must register by Dec 31 next year
PETALING JAYA: The transition period for the registration of allied health professionals with the government has been extended to Dec 31 next year. The Malaysian Allied Health Professionals Council, which operates under the supervision of the Health Ministry, said the decision on the extension was made at its recent meeting. 'It takes into account the need to implement the Allied Health Professions Act 2016 holistically and effectively, while taking into account policies, the interests of practitioners, and public wellbeing. 'The extension will provide sufficient time for all practitioners, especially those in the private sector, to comply with registration conditions and apply for certificates of practice,' it said in a statement on Monday (June 23). The initial registration deadline was slated for June 30 this year. Allied health professionals include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, speech therapists, dietitians or nutritionists, and medical laboratory technologists, among others. The council said the extension will allow the data of practitioners nationwide to be standardised and enhance its accuracy while also taking into account applications for certificates of practice. 'This enhances transparency in health services,' it said. Apart from the extension, a new online module dubbed the Malaysian Health Practitioners System will be introduced to aid the application process and the issuing of certificates from this month. 'All allied health professionals must obtain their certificate of practice before the transition period ends to practice legitimately,' it said. The council added that all allied health professionals whose services are listed under the Act must present their registration application to the council by Dec 31 next year. They must also obtain a legitimate certificate of practice within the stipulated extension period. 'Any unregistered practitioners or those found practising without a certificate will face action," the council said. It also advised the public to only seek the services of registered and certified allied health professionals.
