Latest news with #Malaysian Medical Association
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Give clarity on Rakan KKM initiative, health ministry told
Rakan KKM is an initiative that aims to provide 'premium economy' services at selected government hospitals. PETALING JAYA : The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called on the health ministry to clarify the governance and transparency aspects of the newly announced Rakan KKM initiative as well as its potential impact. MMA president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said one of the concerns over the initiative to offer 'premium economy' services at selected public hospitals was the risk of creating unequal access to care. 'There is growing apprehension that wealthier patients could be given faster access to services through this model within public facilities, effectively creating a two-tiered system. 'Such an outcome would undermine the principles of universal health coverage, which are built on fairness and equal access to care for all, regardless of socioeconomic status,' he said in a statement today. Another issue, he said, was regulatory oversight, noting that Rakan KKM was reportedly seeking licensing under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998. 'As this is a government initiative to be regulated by another arm of the government, public trust in its transparency, accountability, and compliance with healthcare standards must be assured. Kalwinder also flagged concerns about the strain on an already overstretched public healthcare workforce. 'With severe shortages of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, the association wants to know if Rakan KKM will involve the secondment of government staff, external hiring, or the transfer of existing personnel from public facilities,' he said. He added that the use of existing health ministry resources, such as infrastructure, equipment, and administrative support, must be addressed. Kalwinder stressed that any new initiative must not be profit-driven and remain focused on the welfare of the people. 'All reforms or partnerships in healthcare must be guided by the principles of equity, quality, transparency, and long-term sustainability,' he said. Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said last night that Rakan KKM was a government-backed initiative. In a post on X, Dzulkefly said Rakan KKM Sdn Bhd was 100%-owned by the MoF Inc, and that GLICs could take an equity stake in Rakan KKM.
Free Malaysia Today
12-07-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Medical brain drain will continue if pay isn't improved, says Dr Sim
Sarawak deputy premier Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is a cardiologist, said many doctors are burdened by rising living costs. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Sarawak deputy premier Dr Sim Kui Hian has sounded a warning that the brain drain of doctors, especially from East Malaysia, will persist if the remuneration scheme isn't improved. Sim, who is a cardiologist, said the brain drain would place greater strain on the national health service, the Borneo Post reported. 'We cannot continue with the notion that 'we are cheap and good'. In 2025, we are good, but we need to be paid better,' he was quoted as saying. Sim's comments came in response to a call from the Malaysian Medical Association for the federal government to speed up reforms in the national health service in the face of recruitment efforts by neighbouring countries offering far more attractive compensation packages. Sim said many doctors are burdened by rising living costs. 'Medicine may be a noble calling, but we must be realistic. Doctors have families to support, children to educate, and loans to repay, despite the strengthening ringgit,' he said. Earlier today, the health ministry said it remained committed to retaining doctors and healthcare workers in Malaysia although it has no legal power to stop them from working abroad. Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said among the measures taken by his ministry was to accelerate the appointment of contract doctors to permanent positions in light of the country's critical need for medical professionals. Dzulkefly's assurance comes in the wake of a recruitment session by Singapore's health ministry , which is reportedly scheduled to be held at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur next month.
