Scrap eKesihatan, say lorry operators

NST: PUTRAJAYA: Lorry operators want the Road Transport Department’s eKesihatan system, to be implemented on Oct 1, to be shelved.
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Lorry Operators Association secretary-general Alvin Choong said association members felt that the system would not be successful without the participation of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).
"The whole scheme is nothing more than a money-spinner for selected parties," Choong said.
He added that in the absence of the MMA and MMC, Supremme Systems Sdn Bhd — the company given the contract to handle the system — would not be able to monitor and supervise the conduct and integrity of participating clinics under its panel.
"The Health Ministry can easily assist the RTD to set up a database on commercial drivers with the assistance of MMA and MMC at their respective clinics or government clinics."
Choong described the RM80 charge imposed on drivers under the scheme as a "financial burden".
"Why should drivers pay such a high price when they can get similar treatment at a fraction of that sum?"
He also questioned the appointment of Supremme Systems, charging that the company had no "known medical background or acumen".
The eKesihatan system has caused a furore among many parties. Despite this, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy has ordered that it be implemented from Oct 1.
Under the new system, holders of public service vehicle licences, goods vehicle driving licences and conductor licences will have to undergo a mandatory health check by a panel of doctors appointed by Suprem-me Systems and endorsed by the RTD. This follows fatal crashes blaming drivers.