PETALING JAYA: Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz, the newly-appointed president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), has emphasized that the well-being of public sector doctors will be a top priority. She acknowledged that public healthcare is unique compared to other civil service departments as healthcare workers often have to work additional hours, prioritizing the needs of their patients.
During her inaugural speech at the MMA’s annual banquet in Kota Kinabalu on Friday, Dr Azizan stated, “The well-being of doctors, and all healthcare workers in the public healthcare system, should be regarded as a priority to ensure the highest quality of care in the country is maintained.” The MMA confirmed that she has succeeded Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai.
Dr Azizan earned her degree from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 1986. She previously served as the MMA’s deputy secretary and treasurer from 2013 to 2014 before taking a hiatus from practicing medicine to care for her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The MMA highlighted various public healthcare issues that the newly-appointed president will address, including the matter of contract doctors, overcrowding at healthcare facilities, maldistribution of healthcare workers, shortage of specialists, remuneration, and the career pathways of junior doctors.
Dr Azizan expressed her eagerness to engage with the Health Ministry to find resolutions for these crucial issues. She added, “We hope to receive an update from the Health Ministry soon regarding the implementation of healthcare reforms that are being planned in accordance with the Health White Paper.”
Credit: The Star : News Feed
