Materia Medica Malaysiana

Health professionals may need certs to practise

Physiotherapists, nutritionists and dieticians are among a number of health professionals that may have to obtain annual practising certificates (APCs) under the proposed Allied Health Professional Act.
Health Ministry Medical Development Division director Dr Norimi Murad said this was one of the many aspects being finalised in the draft of the Act.
She said this group of medical professionals were not subjected to assessments for APCs, unlike doctors or specialists.
“This is to help regulate the service and quality of these professionals to ensure patient safety,” she told reporters after opening the Malaysian Physiotherapy Association 42nd Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting 2005 yesterday.
Hospital Kuala Lumpur Physiotherapy department/service head Asiah Mohd Hashim said at present, after physiotherapy students obtain their diplomas or degrees, they have to undergo a one-time qualifying exam under the ministry before practising.
The Act is aimed at controlling all sub-medical professionals who provide service to the public, including occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
Dr Norimi said under the Act, a standard operating procedure or some guidelines would also be formulated.
She, however, declined to comment on when the Act would be tabled in Parliament.
She added that the ministry was looking at similar legislations from countries such as the United Kingdom for reference.
Association president Marc J. Daniel said the Act should also touch on the protection of these professional titles to prevent bogus medical practitioners from duping the public