Health Ministry can absorb 5,300 new housemen yearly
SEREMBAN: The Health Ministry can absorb up to 5,300 new housemen every year for its facilities nationwide and therefore, the situation is “manageable”.
Deputy Health director-general Datuk Dr S. Jeyaindran said some 6,000 medical students graduate from local and foreign universities annually, and the ministry was able to send the majority of them for postings.
“Some 4,300 doctors graduate from local medical schools while the rest are from abroad. The situation is not that bad and we still have places for them,” he said in response to concerns raised by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
Dr Jeyaindran said those who graduated from local universities only need to wait an average of three months for their posting.
“Only those who graduate from foreign universities have to wait longer,” he said.
Dr Jeyaindran expects the number of Malaysian students planning to pursue medical degrees to decline as the Government has allowed both public and private medical universities to take in foreign students.
“Public universities will soon be able to reserve 5% of their medical seats for foreign students, who will have to pay full fees.
“Private universities can also offer up to 20% of their seats to foreigners,” he said.
To a proposal from the MMA to introduce aptitude tests for those wishing to pursue a medical degree, Dr Jeyaindran said the argument did not hold water.
“Studies abroad have shown that there is no strong evidence to suggest that a smart student will be a good doctor,” he said.
On a request by the MMA to review the Seventh Fee Schedule in the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act, Dr Jeyaindran said the matter was now in the final stage of discussion.
“We have discussed the matter with relevant associations and groups and will come out with a new fee structure soon,” he added.
Dr Jeyaindran said the change in the fee structure would not result in an increase in most cases.
“However, in keeping with good clinical practise, infection control and patient safety, it is inevitable that there will be an increase in some charges,” he added.