MMA Appreciates Govt's Move

KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is happy with the government's move to increase benefits for doctors and other key personnel of the Health Ministry.
MMA president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin, in expressing its appreciation, said the increase in specialists post would improve the promotional prospects of many specialists who have reached the top of their scale.
The creation of super doctor posts would reward and retain senior medical officers in clinical work and ensure that the accumulated experience and skills were available to patients," he said in a statement here.
He said many doctors would be delighted with the increase in take home pay from the exemption of tax on "out-of-hours" allowance while the choice of contract employment for those over 55 years would enrich the service.
Health Minister Datuk Chua Soi Lek, in announcing the perks yesterday, said the idea was to reduce the number of specialists and doctors leaving the government service.
Noting that the MMA had yet to receive full details of the increase in benefits, Dr Teoh said it seemed that many issues raised by government doctors over the past 20 years had been addressed.
"It is evident that much progress has been made by a comprehensive review of many perceived hardships and inequalities of remuneration, qualifications and performance. We hope that this represents the new approach to human capital as a valuable resource paradigm," he added.
He, however, said that there should be greater flexibility and ability to transcend traditional structures and barriers.
"The broad reach of the benefits prompts the realisation that the entire team needs to be recognised and motivated."
Dr Teoh said the MMA had been working hard to communicate the doctors' sentiments and suggest solutions to the government on their woes.
"We now call on all doctors to show their appreciation with renewed commitment and dedication in providing a quality and caring service for our citizens," he said.