The Health Service needs better and fairer deal

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw reiterates that the Malaysian health service requires not only a truly better deal but also a fairer deal, based on merits.

What the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has to bear in mind is the need for comprehensive review of the health service, in particular as the population starts to age.

On 10.3,2010, Dr Tan comments on the announcement of Najib on a better deal for Malaysian health service and teaching staff members. Apparently, this exercise will cost the Government RM200 million more every year.

The Prime Minister announced on 9 March, 2010 a range of initiatives that the Government has started to increase salary and expedite promotions of doctors, dentists, pharmacists and top teaching staff in the public sector.

Datuk Seri Najib believes that the career advancement plan for public health care experts would enable this group to be promoted to Grade 54 (a higher grade) within a shorter period of time.

It is always a good thing to give a better deal for health professionals and teaching staff members. But, we have to look at the details of the proposals and the ways these can be implemented. It should not be piecemeal.

There are many shortcomings in the health service including working conditions. What we really need is a comprehensive review of the service, so that all these can be identified and rectifed subsequently.

Now, a good consultant tends to lose his or her way in the health service, being uncertain of the deal he or she is getting. This also applies to teaching personnel in universities. Najib's initiatives may be an attempt to plug this hole. We hope he succeeds.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw