Rest assured: Zambry said a complete report regarding the case had been received and follow-up action would be taken by the university. — Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: A new medical expert is being identified following the recent suspension of a part-time consultant at the paediatric department of a university hospital.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said that while waiting for the process to be completed, all paediatric patients suffering from spina bifida or spinal deformities and currently receiving treatment at the hospital will be referred to other neurosurgeons.
“Regarding matters related to patients or those who require treatment, the university has taken steps for it to ‘cover’ the work that is needed,” he told reporters after attending the Ihya’ Ramadan programme with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the ministry’s staff here yesterday, Bernama reported.
“They (the hospital authorities) will obtain other experts who have expertise in that field, and this has already been done.”
Elaborating further, Zambry said a complete report regarding the case had been received and follow-up action would be taken by the university.
Previously, a social media influencer questioned the actions of the hospital director who issued a suspension order for a part-time consultant at the hospital.
The female influencer involved made the statement through the X social media platform, leading to questions from the public towards the university and ministry.
On Feb 15, Zambry called on parties to refrain from escalating the issue or making accusations and spreading statements without checking the background of the matter.
On another matter, the minister said the government was not solely considering the reintroduction of travel restrictions to encourage more borrowers to repay their National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans.
Instead, the government will take a holistic approach in assessing factors influencing loan repayment collections, even though no decision has been made regarding the reintroduction of travel restrictions, he added.
“We are not relying on that (travel restrictions) as the only method (to increase repayments). We need to look at the overall factors that can help us improve loan collection.
“This includes conducting collection efforts or using agents to inform borrowers, as well as sending reminder letters,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zambry also said the Prime Minister has expressed his hopes for the ministry to play a key role in driving major reforms in the country.
He added that Anwar has conveyed this during a meeting with the ministry’s senior management, during which they discussed various aspects related to governance improvements, reform initiatives and the ministry’s key achievements.
The Prime Minister met with the ministry’s officials before joining about 300 staff members for a Ramadan religious talk delivered by Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Izhar Ariff Mohd Kashim, dean of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Islamic Studies Faculty.
Also present were Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud and ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Anesee Ibrahim.
