KUALA LUMPUR: While doctors are willing to serve the people, the government should show it cares for their well-being when considering their postings, says the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
President Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai called on the Federal Government to empathise with doctors who have been posted to other states.
"While we recognise that doctors should be posted where their services are required, the challenges these doctors face when relocating to another state, (for some, at short notice) should be taken into consideration.
"As the healthcare of the people is a top priority, these transfers can have an impact on public healthcare services," he said in a statement Tuesday (July 25).
Dr Muruga then shared considerations for the Federal Government when transferring doctors, to ensure there is no disruption of healthcare services in any healthcare centres whilst facilitating relocations.
"We call for assurance that the training of medical officers undergoing specialist training is not affected when they are transferred.
"Consider a reasonable placement allowance for doctors who have been instructed to relocate, as they will be providing an essential service.
"An adequate notice period should be given to the doctors to report for duty from the date of the placement letter.
"The exact facility they will be transferred to should also be made known to the officers," he said.
Dr Muruga said medical officers who have served for a stipulated time in Sabah and Sarawak should be allowed to apply for a transfer, while ensuring transparency in its process.
"The transfer application process should be simplified as well.
"In the long run, we have to improve our healthcare worker distribution system to ensure that the Health Ministry is able to meet the healthcare needs of the population," he said.
