MMA: Be fair to local docs

Star: PETALING JAYA: Be fair to doctors from local universities, the Malaysian Medical Association has advised the Government.
“If local specialist doctors are happy and satisfied with their job, they will be the best examples to show to those overseas that it is wise to return home and serve the country,” said MMA president Dr Teoh Siang Chin.
Word of mouth would be a more effective way to attract Malaysian doctors abroad to return home, he said.
“They (the doctors overseas) are sure to ask their colleagues in Malaysia about working conditions here before making a decision to return,” Dr Teoh said, responding to reports that Malaysian specialist doctors would be given an instant reward of a pay rise of about RM4,000 if they come back.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek had announced last Saturday that these doctors would immediately move up from the Grade U41 salary scale of RM3,000 to Grade U48 of RM7,000.
Other incentives include an on-call allowance of RM170 (an increase from RM25), allowing locum in government hospitals, and a simplified Bahasa Malaysia examination for service confirmation.
Dr Teoh said the MMA welcomed the move, but added: “I don’t think money is the main factor for doctors to return home, especially those at Grade U48.”
He said they were now earning £3,000 (RM19,791) to £4,000 (RM26,388) per month and coming home would mean a pay cut.
“It has taken them eight to 10 years to reach that level, and with their qualification and experience, I believe they would have more prestige and value in Malaysia.
“It is more important for them to know whether the country is offering them the specialty that they are interested in and whether they are recognised,” he said.