Materia Medica Malaysiana

Health Ministry D-G gets medal for achievements

Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Merican has another feather on his cap.
The practising senior consultant physician and hepatologist at Selayang Hospital received the Malaysian Medical Association's Gold Medal today.
Incoming MMA president, Dr Teoh Siang Chin, presented the award to Dr Ismail at the association's 45th annual general meeting at the Equatorial Hotel in Malacca.
Dr Ismail may be best remembered for updating the nation on the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) situation nationwide in 2003.
He is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London, Edinburgh and Glasgow and honorary fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
Dr Teoh said Dr Ismail was responsible for the research agenda and activities carried out by seven institutions under the National Institute of Health besides formulating the ministry's research policies.
He had been a personal physician to royalty and the Governor of Penang.