KUALA LUMPUR: The Health and Higher Education Ministries have been commended for their exemplary leadership in addressing parallel pathways and the country's dire shortages in medical specialities.

Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said all parties should unite and work together towards the shared goal of addressing acute shortages of medical specialists and achieving the national target.

"Constructive dialogue and collaboration among all parties concerned with regards to the issue are the way forward.

"It is time all parties unite and work together to address acute shortages of medical specialists in the country and achieve the national target of 28,000 specialists by 2030."

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir yesterday said the decision for both ministries to work together was made following a discussion with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, as well as representatives from both ministries, the Malaysian Medical Council and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.

"The Higher Education and Health Ministries have a common intention and desire to resolve the issue. InsyaAllah, the final decision on this matter will be shared after several proposals are brought to the cabinet meeting," he said in a Facebook posting.

Zambry said the meeting he chaired with Dzulkefly also discussed a joint solution to ensure the knowledge acquired by the trainees meets the prescribed standards.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1040362/constructive-dialogue-collaboration-needed-address-issue-medical