Deadline looms, but most clinics yet to register

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The majority of private doctors and dentists have not registered their clinics despite the need to do so by Oct 31.
With just 20 days to go, 5,760 of the 8,000 have not done so.
They could be fined up to RM300,000 if they don’t make the deadline.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said he would not hesitate to act against errant doctors.
"We are serious about enforcing the law after the deadline," he said in an interview.
He could not understand why the majority had not done so despite the ministry simplifying the registration process.
"We have bent over backwards in trying to meet counter-proposals from doctors. They should respond positively," he said.
Doctors are required to pay RM1,500 to register their clinics under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 and Regulations (2006) which came into force in May.
The Act spells out conditions for the private healthcare sector, ranging from qualifications of personnel to renovations of premises, which has struck a negative chord with doctors.
They fear the threat of fines and imprisonment could prove a dampener on private practice.
Dr Ismail said registration would also remove bogus doctors and the bad apples who had tarnished the profession.
Federal Territory Health director Dr E.G. Palaniappan said only 567 of the 1,500 medical practitioners and dentists in the area under his jurisdiction had registered.
This was despite roadshows, registration exercises, letters, reminders and brochures.
He said doctors could register from 8.30am to 12.30pm daily, with the exception of Oct 22.
Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Association of Malaysia president Dr Steven Chow said he could not understand why many doctors had not registered.
"They are delaying the registration despite our repeated calls over the past six months to do so quickly," he said.
"There is no reason for doctors to complain as the registration exercise has been simplified."
Malaysian Medical Association president-elect Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin said doctors with doubts should call the association for clarification.