MMA gives thumbs down to move

Star: PETALING JAYA: Sending patients overseas for treatment is a retrogressive step in healthcare development, says the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
MMA president Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin said they received the decision by the Health Minister to send patients to India for heart surgery with mixed feelings, as it seemed like the healthcare industry had moved “back to square one”.
He said there were about 20 private and public hospitals in the country performing heart surgery now.
“Prior to this, 20 years ago, we were sending patients to Britain, Australia, the Philippines, and other countries for surgery. It now looks like we are back to square one,” he said in a statement.
Dr Khoo said since cost was cited as the main reason for sending heart patients to India, the Government had to review the cost of surgeries in the country and work out a sustainable package.
He said although the cost of surgery was relatively low overseas, there were other costs, such as travel and accommodation of accompanying persons.
“Patients who develop complications will find it stressful to stay in a foreign country for a prolonged period of time. Post surgical follow-ups is important, too,” Dr Khoo added.