PETALING JAYA: Resolving the problems related to the Parallel Pathway, or the specialist training, programme, is part of Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s 100-day Key Performance Index (KPI).
“I place the problem of 'Parallel Pathway Training' as my 100 days KPI. (Even if) I risk 'failing' in this KPI but do it l must!,” he said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Saturday (Jan 27).
Dzulkefly said he had met almost all “feuding” medical entities and eminent healthcare practitioners in relation to the issue.
“Having listened to all, I am positive that we shall find an 'amicable closure'.
"Again l stress, never lose sight of the forest for the trees (look at the bigger interests of the nation),” he said.
Even in dire need to increase the number of specialists, we must not compromise on our quality, he added.
He also said it was not in the ministry's or the nation’s interests to abolish the parallel pathway programme.
“But, it's important that we promptly harmonise the training programmes that meet the requirements of our local laws, regulations and standards, as to achieve our nation's urgent need for specialists,” he said.
“I don’t (want to) dwell on the specifics (as) that is the job of the Task Force. But as the Minister, I would want to see more to be trained and do it better.
"We must work together on this.We must do a catch-up on quantity yet jealously protect our quality,” he added.
He was responding to a tweet by Putrajaya Hospital consultant nephrologist Dr Rafidah Abdullah, who said there are quarters trying to “kill off” the parallel pathway programme that enables doctors to continue their specialist training.
“(One) has to wait for at least five years to enrol in a masters programme in a local university. The seats are limited. The service rendered to the people would definitely be affected due to shortage of specialists.
“We need the parallel pathway programme to continue. Please don't destroy it,” she had said.
Dr Rafidah said she was simply lending her voice to the agony of junior doctors.
She said doctors could only keep their anguish to themselves as they have to continue serving the country.
“The lowest point of my 26-year career so far; seeing my colleagues suffer. Soon the nation will be affected,” she said.
Tagging Dzulkefly and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in one of her posts in the thread, Dr Rafidah said she is certain that they will help the medical fraternity. Malaysia is currently facing a shortage in specialists.
Last year, the Health Ministry increased the training slots for the Master of Medicine programme to 1,500 in 2023.
Former health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said last year that this will be done in collaboration with the Higher Education Ministry to offer 23 specialist areas in eight public universities.
Apart from that, she said training slots under the parallel pathway specialist programme sponsored by the ministry have also been increased to 600 every year involving 14 specialist areas.
Tbt Dr @rafidah72 This is a thread.
I place problem of 'Parallel Pathway Training' as my 100 days KPI. I risk 'failing' in this KPI but do it l must!
I've met almost every 'feuding' entities incl MMC, AMM, MATCVS etc as well TS Sharifal Habsah, Prof Adeebah et al & many more.. https://t.co/TBsxGx92MC
— Dzulkefly Ah
