PETALING JAYA: Medical students applaud the Medical Act amendments as it would encourage more medics to pursue specialist fields.

The student group, Malaysian Medics International (MMI), said that the amendments provided a more streamlined and transparent pathway for specialists to practise in Malaysia.

“This would motivate medical students to specialise in their field of interest and around themes that they are passionate about.

“Moreover, this proactive step would also encourage overseas medical students to practise in Malaysia without further issues,” said the medical student organisation when contacted on Friday (July 19).

It added that the passing of the Medical Act amendment is a significant step forward to overcoming the critical shortage of specialists.

“This would greatly benefit the healthcare system as it will increase the number of specialists allowed to independently treat, operate and manage patients,” it said.

Meanwhile, MMI noted that the Health Minister should take action to solve the plight of contract doctors which has been an issue since 2015.

“We strongly believe in the empowerment of healthcare professionals to provide patient-centred care in the country,” it said.

The Medical (Amendment) Bill 2024, which aims to resolve the conflict related to the parallel pathway programme, was passed in Parliament on Wednesday (July 17).

The Bill seeks to improve provisions related to the registration of specialists as well as the recognition of qualifications and specialised training.

It has also proposed changes in the composition of the members of the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).

The amendments came about after the MMC refused to recognise certain parallel pathway programmes aimed at training cardiothoracic surgeons, even as government hospitals face a dire shortage of such specialists.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/19/medical-students-encouraged-to-pursue-specialist-fields-after-medical-act-amendment