KUALA LUMPUR – The new president of Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has assumed the mantle with a commitment to prioritise the welfare of healthcare workers in the public sector.
Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said that her agenda would also cover pressing issues such as overcrowding in hospitals, contract doctors, allocation of healthcare workers, and specialists shortage, among others, that are putting a strain on personnel.
Longstanding issues in private healthcare will also be addressed on her watch, she added.
“The well-being of all healthcare workers would ensure that (the) highest quality of care in the country is maintained,” she said in her inaugural speech.
Dr Azizan succeeds outgoing Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai.
“Public healthcare is unlike other civil service departments,” she stressed.
“Workers often work extra hours, putting needs of patients first.”
Dr Azizan highlighted that more than 70% of the population rely on public healthcare services around the clock.
She is optimistic in working with Health Ministry to implement healthcare reforms proposed in the Health White Paper during her year-long tenure.
Dr Azizan graduated from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 1986.
She has served in the public and private sectors.
MMA’s executive committee for 2023/24 include Kalwinder Singh Khaira, Muruga Raj Rajathurai, Datuk Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, Vasu Pillai Letchumanan, Sivanaesan Letchuman, Arvindran Alaga, Sivabala Selvaratnam and Datuk Parmjit Singh Kuldip Singh. – The Vibes, September 9, 2023
