Government to look into doctors’ demands

Star: PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has given an assurance that it will study all demands to provide better incentives and working environment for doctors at government hospitals within three months.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Merican said the Government was aware of the need to improve the working environment to get doctors to continue serving in government hospitals.
“It will not take long, three months. This is to enable all demands to be submitted by those involved.
“Normally, the decision is fast but the process may take a while,” he said after attending a workshop organised by the Malaysian Medical Association’s Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers and Specialists here yesterday.
New proposals made at yesterday's workshop included a 50% increase in critical allowance from the basic salary for doctors in rural areas, especially in Sabah and Sarawak as well as better opportunities for career development.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek had earlier announced that all government doctors and health service personnel would enjoy greater benefits, effective January last year under a move to retain them and attract new employees.
Dr Ismail said the demands made by doctors, especially those on salaries and incentives, would be given special focus because the ministry wanted them to give the best service to the people.
“I have noted that after a dialogue with them, they prefer to stay on at government hospitals,” he added.