The Health September 2023 | Page 8

The Malaysian Medical Association and Commonwealth Medical Association are working on getting a better deal for doctors

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THE HEALTH | SEPTEMBER , 2023

| Cover Story |

LOOKING to better times

The Malaysian Medical Association and Commonwealth Medical Association are working on getting a better deal for doctors

BY KHIRTINI M KUMARAN

SEVERAL LONGSTANDING issues relating to contract doctors , lack of permanent positions , maldistribution of healthcare workers , long working hours , personnel shortage , remuneration and work-life balance to prevent burnout are being taken up by the Malaysian Medical Association ( MMA ) to the government .

Additionally , the Commonwealth Medical Association ( CMA ) is working towards allowing Malaysian medical students to network globally through student exchange programmes between universities and meet world healthcare leaders early in their careers .
Newly minted MMA President Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said the wellbeing of public healthcare doctors and resolving the longstanding issues in private healthcare will be a priority during her term . She took over as President on Sept 8 , 2023 , for a one-year tenure .
“ I am looking forward to engaging with the Ministry of Health ( MoH ) on resolving issues affecting the wellbeing of public healthcare doctors such as contract doctors , lack of permanent positions , maldistribution of healthcare workers , long work hours , shortages in personnel , remuneration , work-life balance to prevent burnout ,” she said , adding that these were issues that have a significant impact on the wellbeing of doctors in government service .