Heavy workload putting strain on doctors, says group
CEO to lead 63 alongside fellow Malaysians on Aug 27
PETALING JAYA: Doctors are finding it tough to specialise in their field due to heavy workload that prevents them from focusing on continuing their education.
Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia vice-president Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah said that on top of shouldering a lot of responsibilities within their private clinic, there is only one avenue that general practitioners (GPs) can turn to if they want to specialise in fami- ly medicine – the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia (AFPM).
He said that the GPs who have left the public service to join the private sector cannot enrol in the Family Medicine Specialist Courses offered by local public universities as those employed in the public sector are given priority.
He also noted the stiff competition the limited number of seats available.
This leaves a lot of private GPs with no choice but to fork out their own money to pursue the Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners offered by AFPM, he said.
However, the programme is very difficult to pass with only about 500 family medicine specialists passing the exams in the 40 years since it was set up, he said, adding that the passing rate is around 25%.
Dr Raj Kumar is suggesting a course tailored to the needs of the Malaysian public and the way family medicine is practised in Malaysia be created to encourage more GPs to pursue a postgraduate degree.
He suggested that the Government look into allowing an International Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) and to conduct MRCGP preparative courses for GPs.
“GPs with five to 10 years’ experience should be able to take the International MRCGP examination after a preparation course like the one offered in Brunei and South Asia,” he said, adding that this is a more cost-effective alternative.
He added that the MRCGP UK is recognised by the National Specialist Registry on a case-to-case basis while the MRCGP Brunei International is not recognised at all.
KUALA LUMPUR: After scaling Mount Kinabalu in Sabah and Mount Santubong in Sarawak, the staff of Retirement Fund Inc (KWAP) will be joining the #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk.
Sixty-three staff, led by their chief executive officer Datuk Wan Kamaruzaman Wan Ahmad, will make the 5km walk alongside fellow Malaysians at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam on Aug 27.
Wan Kamaruzaman said KWAP was supporting the walk as it celebrated the country’s independence and promoted unity.
Malaysians, he said, must not forget that the nation is a multi-cultural country, adding that they have to live together, make the best of situations and not just think of one’s own race and religion.
“During my school days in the 1970s in Johor, my best friends were Chinese and Indians. We spoke to each other in English and that’s when I saw the unity and harmony between us.
“Somehow, there is polarisation among the races now,” he admitted.
Wan Kamaruzaman said that the spirit of togetherness – like that enjoyed in the past – should be embraced.
KWAP employees have previously scaled the peaks of Mount Kinabalu and Mount Santubong as part of its team building activity.
#AnakAnakMalaysia Walk is organised by Star Media Group Bhd in collaboration with Eco World Development Group Bhd.
There will be lucky draw prizes, including a Proton Iriz 1.6L Premium CVT, a Gintell (M) Sdn Bhd De’Vano S Funtastic Sofa, Goodnite Exec Series 6” Achievement Mattress, Panasonic Merchandise, PNB Perdana Hotel and Suites on the Park stays, Spin Pro B1.3 Exercise Bike from Healthy World Lifestyle, OTO e-Physio Plus EY-900P, Soleus GPS Sole running watch and Kay Kay All Plant Sports Protein Powder by Inno Asia Distribution Sdn Bhd.
Sponsors include CIMB Foundation (Gold Sponsor), Panasonic (Silver Sponsor) and Proton (Car Sponsor).