THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has received complaints that private healthcare workers were stopped by the authorities and faced issues getting to work because they did not have the letter from the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), which is required for the essential services sector.
Two days ago, the Health Ministry (MoH) had issued a circular stating that private healthcare workers will only need to show proof of their employment with the private healthcare facilities to the police if they are stopped. If they are still facing issues, it can only mean these policies have not been clearly communicated to the relevant departments at the ground level.
MMA urges the National Security Council to ensure the necessary steps are immediately taken to address this issue. Private clinics, hospitals and dental clinics are registered with the MoH and provide frontline healthcare services.
Many private healthcare practitioners are also involved in conducting mass screenings on-site and at times will be required to cross districts. Permission should also be given for them to proceed upon showing the police the required documents.
It is hoped the private healthcare workforce will be given all the support necessary from government to carry out their duties in providing care for the rakyat. – The Vibes, June 2, 2021
Professor Datuk Dr Subramaniam Muniandy is the president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA)
