SIBU: The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) has been urged to modernise its outdated system to facilitate the entry of highly qualified medical specialists like neurosurgeons and cardiothoracic surgeons into the country.
According to Malaysian Medical Association Sibu treasurer Dr Wong Chya Wei, MMC is doing a commendable job; however, there is room for improvement.
“We are not saying that MMC, being a regulatory body, is not doing a good job. I think MMC is doing a good job, but many of its rules and regulations need to be revised and revamped to keep up with the times,” he said.
He said this at a press conference in conjunction with the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Dudong Mobile Service2U here today (Apr 7).
He referenced the recent case of Dr Lu Yeow Yuen, a neurosurgeon seeking to return to Malaysia, whose application to be registered on the National Specialist Register was rejected despite holding recognized qualifications under the Medical Act 1971.
“MMC has rejected his application to be registered on the National Specialist Register although Dr Lu has a recognised qualification under Section 14B (c) of the Medical Act 1971 as he has passed exams under the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, FRCS (Ire),” he said, adding that that the Malaysian Medical Act 1971 needs to be revised.
Dr Wong also said that currently, the MMC’s current regulations fail to recognize the credentials of qualified specialists, exacerbating the shortage of these medical professionals in the country.
“Sarawak General Hospital has 10 neurosurgeons, Hospital Sibu (two), and Hospital Miri (two). Privately, there is one in Borneo Medical Centre, Kuching, and another one in Borneo Medical Centre in Miri.
“To cover the whole of Sarawak, we have to rely on these few neurosurgeons. In West Malaysia, the situation is a bit better, but neurosurgeons are still in great demand,” he stressed.
Also present was SUPP Dudong chairman Wong Ching Yong.
