Ministry ‘knew about eKesihatan’

NST: PUTRAJAYA: The Road Transport Department has dismissed claims that it did not consult the Health Ministry before implementing its eKesihatan system.
RTD deputy director-general Solah Mat Hassan said every aspect of the scheme had been referred to and discussed with ministry officials.
He said the department did not act alone in drawing up the system. "For instance, we had agreed that the monitoring of 611 clinics appointed under the system would be done by the ministry."
He was responding to claims by the Malaysian Medical Council president and director-general of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican that the Health Ministry was not consulted by the RTD about the system.
Dr Ismail had said that the RTD should have also consulted professional bodies.
As the custodian of medical practice, he said the council was concerned over any move to place restrictions or conditions on the practice of any registered practitioner.
The eKesihatan system, which will come into effect on Oct 1, has caused a furore among many parties.
Under it, holders of all public service vehicle licences (PSV), goods driving licences (GDL) and conductor licences will have to undergo a mandatory health check by a panel of doctors appointed by the RTD.
Solah said Supremme Systems Sdn Bhd, the company awarded the contract to handle the system, including appointing panel clinics, planned to appoint the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) as its technical adviser.
"As far as the RTD is concerned, we have referred the matter to the Health Ministry and professional bodies like MMA for advice."
He said the system would benefit not only commercial vehicle drivers but also the public.
"If drivers are not fit, they can endanger the safety of passengers they are ferrying," he said.
On the claim that the RM80 fee was too steep, he said it was the opposite as drivers would get a complete medical check-up.
Solah said the public supported the scheme, especially after the Bukit Gantang express bus crash that claimed the lives of 22 people.