THE Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) new president, Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira, wants to focus on establishing and securing a better future for doctors.

Taking office for a new one-year term yesterday, Dr Kalwinder said he will work closely with the Health Ministry (MOH), other ministries and government departments in achieving this aim.

“My primary focus will be on doing everything possible to provide and lay the foundation for a better and more secure future for our doctors. This includes addressing job security, a healthy work environment, specialist training opportunities, work-life balance, recognition of their efforts in terms of salaries, on-call allowances, and their mental wellbeing,” he said at MMA’s annual banquet in Kuching on Saturday evening.

Dr Kalwinder, who succeeded Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz, emphasised that the wellbeing of doctors is closely linked to the future of the nation’s healthcare.

“We hope for more meaningful engagement with the government on establishing a healthcare reform commission, as it will impact the long-term future of healthcare and healthcare workers in the country. With over 17,000 members, MMA is eager to provide its input,” said the consultant physician and head of the Department of Medicine at Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching.

Dr Kalwinder also expressed his desire for regular engagement with the MOH on issues affecting both the country’s healthcare system and the population’s health.

“MMA has always maintained a positive and productive relationship with the health minister and the MOH. We will continue to strengthen this relationship and work together. MMA not only represents the voice of medical professionals but has also consistently highlighted issues directly and indirectly related to public healthcare,” he added.

Retaining talent, particularly junior doctors, will be crucial for the future of the public healthcare system, Dr Kalwinder said.

“Retaining our junior doctors is vital, as they will form the backbone of the healthcare system in the future. We hope the ongoing issue of contract doctors and permanent posts will be resolved soon, and local postgraduate training opportunities need to be enhanced. Young doctors should have the option to choose a pathway that suits them,” he said.

“This must be a win-win situation, as we cannot afford to continue losing doctors to resignations and brain drain overseas, as has been the case in recent years.”

The new MMA president also urged the government to consider the future of senior specialists and subspecialists.

He pointed out that senior doctors not only provide essential patient care but also play a crucial role in mentoring and guiding younger doctors.

“Many senior doctors have been stagnating at Grade UD56 for several years. More Jawatan Utama Sektor Awam positions need to be created annually to alleviate the bottleneck currently in place,” he said.

Dr Kalwinder also highlighted ongoing challenges for doctors in private healthcare.

“There are issues in the private sector that demand attention and discussion. The harmonisation of private GPs’ fee schedules, as well as the challenges faced by private specialists with insurers and third party administrators regarding the duty of care, have been ongoing for years and require renewed focus,” he remarked.

He added that under his leadership, the MMA would continue to address societal issues, such as the regulation of the tobacco and vape industry, planning for an ageing population, and controlling non-communicable diseases.

“Reforms addressing these concerns are necessary, in line with the Health White Paper. Hopefully, we will see progress in these areas towards achieving the desired outcomes,” he concluded. – September 8, 2024.