Kuala Lumpur – The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the government to consider the well-being of doctors when posting them to other states. President Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai called on the Federal Government to show empathy towards doctors who have been relocated to different states. While acknowledging the need to post doctors where their services are required, Dr Muruga highlighted the challenges faced by doctors when relocating, some at short notice. He emphasized the impact that these transfers can have on public healthcare services, making it crucial for the government to consider the needs of the doctors when deciding their postings.
Dr Muruga also shared several considerations for the government to ensure a smooth transition without disrupting healthcare services. He called for assurance that the training of medical officers undergoing specialist training would not be affected by the transfers. He also suggested providing a reasonable placement allowance for doctors who are required to relocate, as they are providing an essential service. Additionally, Dr Muruga emphasized the importance of giving doctors an adequate notice period to report for duty from the date of the placement letter, as well as informing them about the exact facility they will be transferred to.
Furthermore, Dr Muruga proposed that medical officers who have served for a stipulated time in Sabah and Sarawak should be allowed to apply for a transfer, ensuring transparency in the process. He also called for the simplification of the transfer application process. In the long run, Dr Muruga stressed the need to improve the healthcare worker distribution system to ensure that the Ministry of Health is able to effectively meet the healthcare needs of the population.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
