Chinese Medical Practitioners Can Work In Government Hospitals

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Chinese physicians who meet the Health Ministry's requirements can serve in three government hospitals following the government's decision to recognise traditional medication including acupuncture starting next year.
Former Professional Acupuncture Academy president and Tiong Hua Medical Practitioners Association Malaysia president Yong Kian Fui said Wednesday the ministry had sought his assistance to prepare a list of names of qualified physicians.
"The government plans to set up a division of Chinese, Malay and Indian traditional medical practitioners at the Putrajaya Hospital, Kepala Batas Hospital and Sultan Ismail Hospital in Johor next year," he told Bernama.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, during a visit to China two weeks ago, said that the ministry planned to use traditional medicine to complement healthcare in the three hospitals.
Meanwhile, secretary of the Federation of Chinese Physicians and Acupuncture Association of Malaysia Ng Po Kok said several guidelines had been drawn up for the service.
"They must have a pass in Bahasa Melayu at SPM level and certificate in the relevant field," he said.
On salaries, he said a meeting would be held on the matter.
There are about 10,000 traditional medical practitioners in the country.