New format for medical qualifying examination

The medical qualifying examination for graduates of unrecognised foreign universities will have a new format.
Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Merican said the examination, which would now be conducted by the ministry jointly with the Malaysian Medical Council and local universities, would be more “generic” in nature.
“We have yet to decide how the examination is to be conducted, but we feel that it should be more generic in nature, and not specific towards any local university.
“Previously, the examination was conducted by local universities and the format tended to be very specific to that particular university.
“So, instead of having different examinations by several universities, we will have one examination for all. This is one way we are exploring to ensure that all foreign medical graduates who come back have the necessary training and education,” he said after attending the Health Ministry’s excellent service awards here yesterday.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek had on June 30 announced that the examination would be conducted by the ministry together with MMC and local universities.
Dr Chua had also said the Government would be reviewing the status of medical degrees from 333 foreign institutions currently recognised by the council.
On the review, Dr Ismail said the ministry had received some complaints from parents and students over certain institutions.
“We have our concerns as well, but we must be sure before we decide anything.”
On the flu outbreak affecting 200 SM Raja Permaisuri Bainun students in Ipoh, Dr Ismail said the public should not worry.
“It is usual for us to have flu outbreaks, because it’s started by many different kinds of viruses.
“However, this does not mean there is the presence of avian flu,” he added.
Source