September-october . 2020 | @ Halal

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BY CAMILIA REZALI

Malaysia ( PERDIM ) is an association which unifies Malaysian Muslim doctors under one roof for the collective well-being and benefit of the nation ’ s ummah .

One of the significant tasks of PERDIM is to improve and enhance the system of private clinics in terms of professionalism and services mainly by linking the private clinics with the Ministry of Health ( MOH ).

“ PERDIM acts as a catalyst and facilitator with various organisations and associations of accredited doctors in Malaysia , committing towards finding the solutions for various health issues in accordance to the Islamic perspective ,” said PERDIM president Datuk Dr Ahmad Shukri Ismail .

“ We aim to maintain medical profes-

We aim to maintain medical professionalism as long as it is not contradicting with the Islamic

teachings .” — Datuk Dr Shukri

sionalism as long as it is not contradicting with the Islamic teachings .”

The association is about to reach its seventh year of formation . Uniquely , PERDIM is inspired and led by a group of doctors who own private clinics in Malaysia . It has 1,200 members of Muslim General Practitioners

PERDIM would like to play a greater role in the pharma industry to enhance the system further .

( GP ) across 7,718 private clinics .

PERDIM advocates the unification of the universal ummah regardless of geographical borders .

Therefore , the association is complementary to other existing medical associations , such as the Malaysian Medical Association ( MMA ).

“ By far , we achieved the expectations of our members , which is being the second renowned stakeholder after MMA . The Ministry of Health recognises us ,” said Dr Shukri .

PERDIM has reached a good position where it not only acts as a driver in the industry but also leads in health-related discussions at the national level .

To ensure the association continues to thrive and play a sufficient role in the pharmaceutical industry , especially the pharmaceutical halal sector , PERDIM is open to national collaborations with top pharmaceutical companies .

“ We have not had any formal collaboration at a national level as we are still considered a young association in the industry . And of course , we do want to collaborate with Malaysia ’ s top pharmaceutical companies . This is a part of creating a network ,” added Dr Shukri .

“ We have worked together with various organisations , as such the Malaysian Islamic Development Department ( JAKIM ) for the legal viewpoint .

“ We have collaborations with educational institutions such as Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia ( USIM ) and from the consumer side , we have Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia ( PPIM ).”

PERDIM has also initiated medical talks primarily to educate and suggest the best professional practices for GPs . The medical lectures are arranged four times a year – bringing topics of concern to the pharmaceutical industry .

Looking forward , Dr Shukri said : “ PERDIM would like to play a greater role in the pharma industry to enhance the system further .”