In the NST,

Panel to review doctors’ salaries Annie Freeda Cruez KUALA LUMPUR, May 06: The Government is considering a new salary scale for its doctors and specialists. Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek has established a committee to review their salary packages and allowances, while also looking into their frustrations. The findings, together with recommendations for higher pay, will then be submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Salary Adjustment, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. This was decided at a dialogue between Dr Chua, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and the Section Concerning House Officers Medical Officers and Specialists (SCHOMOS) at the Legend Hotel here today. "The low salary and allowances, their selfless service for years with no promotion in sight and long hours of work in hospitals were discussed at great length," Dr Chua told reporters after an almost four-hour closed-door meeting. He said he understood and sympathised with the doctors and specialists as they served in a challenging and difficult environment, with rewards that were not attractive when compared with those enjoyed by their peers in private hospitals. The special committee, he added, would compile all the data on the current salaries and allowances of doctors and specialists, get feedback from the MMA, and make recommendations. Dr Chua said it would also look into the facilities for medical officers and specialists, including houseman's quarters, on-call food, and safety and communication. "I want close interaction between doctors and the ministry so that there is a two-way free flow of information," he added. Chua said he would hold dialogues with the MMA from time to time to improve relations, understand the problems of Government and private doctors, and ensure a better health delivery system. "A special committee will also be set up to discuss how to assess and promote doctors faster," he added. Last year some 1,800 doctors and specialists were promoted. At present, Dr Chua said, there were 10,000 posts for medical officers, with 25 per cent still not filled, and 1,200 posts for specialists, with 40 per cent vacant. A special committee, headed by Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abd Latiff Ahmad, has also been set up to study the proposed private wing in government hospitals. Dr Chua said the MMA had also submitted its views and proposals to be evaluated by the committee, besides looking into issues such as legislation, human resources and fees. Dr Chua expects a working module to be ready within two months. Asked if the proposed private wing would be implemented in all government hospitals, Dr Chua said: "We have to study whether the proposal is feasible, whether we have to build separate wings, manpower and how it is to be implemented. If it is not feasible, then what are the other alternatives to attract doctors to work in Government hospitals?" The minister said the MMA had also expressed its concerns over the increasing number of unregistered traditional and complementary medicine practitioners in the country. ..................

Good news at last. Looks like things are finally moving in the right direction. Let us pray that there will be a continuing momentum towards the implementation of an adjusted salary scale and better working environments. Kudos to our Health Minister for finally standing up for doctors in Malaysia.