Medical body calls for cooperation on road safety

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: With the controversial e-kesihatan system scrapped, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called on those implementing new schemes to ensure that there are sufficient safeguards for orderly and ethical work practices.
MMA president Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin said as traffic accidents were a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Malaysia, any new scheme should look for ways to improve safety on the roads.
"The MMA has long been involved in this important road safety issue. We have worked with the regulatory agencies to ensure that commercial drivers are screened for serious illnesses before being issued licences and also during annual renewals."
Dr Khoo also pointed out that all doctors nationwide were already registered with the Malaysian Medical Council and there was no need for a middle person or panel to register them again.
"A driver can seek the services of any doctor for medical examinations and drug screening tests."
He said the MMA was happy that Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat had decided to scrap the e-kesihatan scheme and replace it with a new system that would prevent monopoly.
Dr Khoo said the MMA's technical committee had prepared a detailed format of the clinical and laboratory tests relevant for screening and certification of drivers of commercial vehicles.
"We would like to urge the Road Transport Department to consult the MMA and other relevant authorities before any such scheme is introduced in the future."
He said they realised that there were many stakeholders in the transport industry but safety should not be compromised because of cost or pressure from lobbyists.