Latest news with #MalaysianMedicalAssociation
The Star
10 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
Medical specialist training gets legal clarity on July 1
PETALING JAYA: There will be greater structure, transparency and legal clarity of both streams of specialist training – the Parallel Pathway and local Master's programmes – once the amendments to the Medical Act come into effect next month, says the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA). Its president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira expressed his appreciation for the Health Ministry's commitment in strengthening the specialist medical training framework. 'We commend the ministry's clear and timely action in fulfilling its promise to implement the amended Medical Act without undue delay,' he said in a statement yesterday. The association also thanked the ministry's Medical Development Division in making the initiative possible. 'The work that has gone into realising these regulatory changes is testament to their professionalism and dedication. 'It also reflects the urgent need to expand access to high-quality specialist training in order to meet the growing demands of our healthcare system, while maintaining patient safety and the highest standards in medical practice,' Dr Kalwinder added. MMA, he said, looks forward to continued engagement with the ministry and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the implementation of these amendments will be smooth, fair and in the best interest of the people. Dr RA Lingeshwaran lauded the Health Ministry's move, saying that many participants of the parallel pathway programme were appreciative of the effort. 'I believe they are all very positive that the amendments finally addressed their concerns,' said the senator, who is a former Sungai Bakap hospital director. Independent health advocate Dr Sean Thum said most feedback from trainees and junior doctors was not solely about the amendments to the Medical Act, but about the structural bottleneck that persists before doctors can even enter specialist training programmes. 'Previously, any eligible doctor could enrol in the parallel pathway programme such as those offered by Royal Colleges abroad. 'The new framework rightly aims to standardise training quality, ensure adequate case exposure and improve supervisor-trainee ratios. 'From a public health perspective, this is a positive move towards safeguarding patient care standards,' he said. The amendments to the Medical Act, which aim to resolve the issue of parallel pathway programmes and streamline the recognition of qualifications and specialised training, will come into effect on July 1. In announcing this, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said he had signed the order to enforce the amendments to the Act, which will be resubmitted to the Attorney General's Chambers for gazettement.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Medical Act amendments a milestone for specialist training, says MMA
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has expressed its support for the government's amendments to the Medical Act, which are set to take effect on July 1, describing them as both timely and decisive. The amendments aim to address issues related to the Parallel Pathway programmes and to streamline the recognition of specialist qualifications and training. MMA president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the amendments mark a significant milestone that will bring greater structure, transparency and legal clarity to the implementation of both the Parallel Pathway and local Master's programmes. "We wish to record our appreciation to the Health Minister and the Health Ministry for their firm commitment to strengthening the framework for specialist medical training in the country. "We also thank the MOH's Medical Development Division for their tireless efforts in making this initiative a reality. "The work that has gone into realising these regulatory changes is a testament to their professionalism and dedication," he said in a statement today. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad previously confirmed that the amendment has been signed and will be resubmitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) for the gazettement process. Dr Kalwinder said the move reflects the urgent need to expand access to high-quality specialist training to meet the increasing demands of the healthcare system, while upholding patient safety and maintaining the highest standards of medical practice. "The MMA looks forward to continued engagement with the ministry and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of these amendments is smooth, fair and in the best interests of both the healthcare system and the public."
Malaysiakini
29-05-2025
- Health
- Malaysiakini
Stop stalling, push Health White Paper in Parliament: MMA
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged lawmakers to discuss key reforms outlined in the Health White Paper (HWP) to improve the national healthcare system. While acknowledging the necessity of stakeholder engagements, MMA president-elect Dr Thiryunavakarasu Rajoo highlighted that the HWP already outlines the frameworks needed to better the healthcare sector.
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
MMA calls for clear legal framework on medicine pricing
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the government to act swiftly on issues affecting private general practitioners (GPs), stressing the need for clear legal frameworks and fair consultation fees to ensure the sustainability of Malaysia's primary healthcare system. MMA president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the association looks forward to the government's firm decisions following its joint memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier this month. He said among the top concerns were the appropriate regulation of medicine price display policies and the long-overdue revision of GP consultation fees. He welcomed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad commitment to place the medicine price display policy under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, a move the MMA has long advocated, rather than the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, which was never designed to regulate professional healthcare services. "To avoid disputes and legal ambiguities that may arise from overlapping legislation, the government must immediately de-gazette clinics from the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723) once the decision is made to place the medicine price display policy under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586). "Keeping clinics under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act after the policy shift would only create unnecessary legal ambiguity," he said in a statement. He said the government must act swiftly to ensure regulatory clarity and prevent jurisdictional overlap by formally de-gazetting clinics from Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 once the other Act comes into effect. "While doctors fully support price transparency, we strongly maintain that all healthcare-related policies must be implemented and enforced under the purview of the Health Ministry (MOH). "While we respect the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's role in regulating the retail sector, it is important to recognise that healthcare is not retail." He said clinics provide essential, expert-driven services built on trust and ethical duty, not commercial transactions. Applying retail-based policies to medical practice risks compromising the quality and integrity of care Malaysians deserve, he said. Dr Kalwinder also called on the government to address the longstanding issue of stagnant consultation fees for private GPs. He said fees under the 7th Schedule of Act 586 have remained unchanged for over 33 years, despite significant increases in operating costs. "GP clinics are the front line of Malaysia's primary healthcare system. "For them to remain viable and continue delivering quality care, consultation fees must be reviewed and adjusted to reflect current realities," he said. He said the MMA has submitted a detailed proposal justifying the fee revision and hopes for a fair outcome that supports the long-term sustainability of private clinics. "These issues must not be delayed.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Experts warn of JN.1 Covid risks amid regional surge
PETALING JAYA: As Covid-19 cases surge in neighbouring countries, Malaysian health experts are highlighting the potential risks posed by the JN.1 subvariant of Omicron. Should another outbreak emerge, they warn that Malaysia remains vulnerable due to a combination of factors, including waning population immunity and reduced public vigilance. Infectious disease specialist at UKM Medical Centre, Assoc Prof Dr Petrick @ Ramesh K. Periyasamy said the JN.1 strain carries unique mutations that make it significantly more transmissible than previous subvariants. 'JN.1 features additional mutations in the spike protein, which may contribute to its ability to evade immune protection from previous infections or vaccinations. 'While there is no indication it causes more severe illness, its heightened transmissibility can lead to surges that strains healthcare systems.' Petrick said Malaysia, like many other countries, is currently facing conditions that could allow Covid-19 to resurface, such as declining booster uptake, relaxed public health protocols, increased indoor gatherings and fading public concern. Despite Malaysia's improved readiness compared with the early stages of the pandemic in 2020, he cautioned that public awareness of JN.1 remains low, and 'Covid fatigue' has made many individuals complacent. 'Covid fatigue is a real challenge. Many high-risk individuals, particularly the elderly, have yet to receive updated boosters and public awareness of newer variants like JN.1 remains low.' He identified several areas of concern such as systemic weaknesses, including limited genomic surveillance, reduced testing capacity and overall healthcare system fatigue. To mitigate potential risks, Petrick recommended reviving public awareness campaigns, reinstating accessible testing and preparing contingency resources such as personal protective equipment and oxygen reserves to ensure healthcare systems are prepared. He also urged the government to maximise the use of digital tools such as MySejahtera to issue alerts and track booster appointments. 'Digital platforms can play a key role in keeping the public informed and encouraging protective measures,' he added. Meanwhile, Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira echoed concerns about the nation's healthcare manpower capacity, warning that staffing shortages could compromise response efforts during a potential surge. 'One area we need to give particular attention to is manpower, as shortages can have an impact on the delivery of care,' he said. However, Kalwinder noted that Malaysia is better prepared than it was during early waves of the pandemic. He said pandemic preparedness has become a core topic within the medical fraternity, with the Health Ministry actively monitoring the situation and implementing preventive strategies. 'Covid-19 still poses a serious risk, especially among the vulnerable. We must stay vigilant. We are confident that the ministry and its agencies are taking appropriate steps to respond swiftly if cases rise again.'
