MMA: Set up Health Services Commission to manage employment, welfare of healthcare professionals in civil service

KUCHING (Aug 21): The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called for a Health Services Commission to be set up to effectively manage the employment and welfare of healthcare professionals in the civil service.

Its president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz stated that the proposed commission should be separate from the Public Service Department.

“This commission should have the authority to oversee the placement, salary scales and working conditions of healthcare professionals, ensuring that their remuneration and benefits are competitive with the market.

“Regular, independent reviews would help maintain a fair and equitable system that attracts and retains top talent in the healthcare field,” she said in a statement today.

The statement was issued in response to the recent increase in civil servant salaries, including a long-awaited pay raise for healthcare professionals serving in the public healthcare system.

Dr Azizan emphasised that this adjustment is a crucial step towards recognising the invaluable contributions of the dedicated doctors and other healthcare workers in the country.

“While this pay increase is a positive development, there is much more work to be done for our healthcare system. MMA believes that long overdue reforms are necessary to ensure a sustainable and high-quality healthcare system,” she said.

By implementing these reforms, Dr Azizan said the the government can further strengthen the nation’s healthcare system and provide the best possible care for its citizens.