We lack trained personnel, says Chua

Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has proposed outsourcing ambulance services to the private sector to overcome issues like the lack of trained personnel and maintenance of vehicles.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the Economic Planning Unit was studying the ministry’s proposal, which was submitted in June.
“Our problems are basically lack of trained personnel accompanying the ambulance, the attitude of drivers and poor maintenance of the ambulances. So it is better to rent the ambulances or outsource the service to the private sector based on the number of ambulances they can offer.
“We will only accept their offer if the rates are appropriate and do not burden the Government. In many countries, ambulance services are outsourced and operated separately from the hospital setting,” he said.
Dr Chua said presently there were 1,000 ambulances in the country, with an additional 800 to be purchased under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.
He said this after launching the special discounted indemnity insurance scheme introduced by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) in collaboration with the Medical Protection Society (MPS).
The professional indemnity insurance for young non-specialist government doctors is to create awareness of clinical risk management as well as encourage the officers to practise with medical indemnity cover.
MMA president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said the annual premium of RM200 was inclusive of MMA membership, and for locum work outside the Health Ministry’s premises, there would be an additional subscription.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry is finding ways to help Malaysian medical students whose specialist training has been disrupted by the new British policy.
Dr Chua said the ministry would consider allowing them to continue their Masters programme locally.
He said British High Commissioner to Malaysia William Boyd McCleary had said that Malaysian medical students could work in Britain for three years, which would enable them to be recognised by the British Medical Council.
After the three years, students who planned to do their specialist training would have to apply for a work visa, but priority would be given to British and European Union citizens.