D-G: Don't confuse doctors

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Do not give mixed messages that might confuse Malaysian doctors as well as medical students overseas.
This is the advice of Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican to individuals visiting medical students in Britain and Ireland.
"While Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek and I have met Malaysian doctors, specialists and students studying and working in these countries and advised them to return, there are individuals who go and say they can carry on staying there."
Dr Ismail, upset by this turn of events, said great pains had been taken since November to visit them, make presentations and convince them that there were tremendous opportunities for them back home.
"While we have taken proactive measures to get Malaysian doctors, specialists and medical students to return on completion, I am sad that some individuals have gone and told them they can continue staying there."
Dr Ismail said those who were confused had contacted the ministry to find out what was going on.
"I had to explain to them all over again the opportunities available here and the importance of them returning to serve the nation."
Dr Ismail said it would be best for the ministry to provide information on the health sector in Malaysia for the benefit of medical students overseas to avert confusion.
Those who wish to remain overseas on completion of their studies, should write to their sponsors such as the Public Service Department and the ministry.