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Six USM pathology graduates and Dr. Lu Yeow Yuen, a neurosurgeon candidate faced challenges in obtaining specialist recognition from the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC). Despite their qualifications and program accreditations, MMC’s refusal raised questions about the fairness of the registration process. The AGC’s decision not to represent MMC in these cases added complexity to the issue.
Even more recently, four individuals who completed the parallel pathway training with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in cardiothoracic surgery are taking legal action against the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) for its refusal to register them on the National Specialist Register (NSR).
Dr. Nur Aziah Ismail, Dr. Syed Nasir Syed Hassan, Dr. Chong Kee Soon, and Dr. Lok Yuh Ing jointly filed a judicial review application in the High Court on March 20 to challenge the MMC’s rejection of their NSR registration applications. The rejection, issued on December 21, was based on the MMC’s refusal to recognize their Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Cardiothoracic Surgery (FRCS Ed) qualification.
Opinion:
The recent legal battles faced by doctors seeking specialist recognition in Malaysia, particularly the case involving six USM pathology graduates and Dr. Lu Yeow Yuen’s pursuit of neurosurgery specialisation, highlight the complexities and challenges within the medical registration system.
The refusal of the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) to recognise the qualifications of these doctors, despite their completion of relevant programs accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and recognition by relevant ministries, raises concerns about the transparency and fairness of the registration process. The MMC’s insistence on re-accreditation and its narrow interpretation of specialist registration criteria seem to contradict the spirit of providing accessible and quality healthcare to the public.
The impact of these decisions extends beyond the individual doctors to the broader healthcare system. The government’s investment in scholarships for these programs, with graduates obligated to serve a bond, highlights the stakes involved. Failure to register these specialists not only affects their careers but also undermines the public healthcare system’s ability to utilise these trained professionals effectively.
The role of the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) in not defending the MMC in these legal challenges adds another layer of complexity. While MMC members are considered public servants, the AGC’s decision not to represent them raises questions about the government’s stance on this issue and its commitment to upholding the integrity of the medical profession.
To rectify the issues surrounding medical specialist registration in Malaysia, several key steps can be taken:
Review and Clarify Registration Criteria: The MMC should review and clarify its specialist registration criteria to ensure they are transparent, fair, and aligned with international standards. This should include clear guidelines on program accreditation and recognition.
Enhance Communication and Collaboration: Improve communication and collaboration between the MMC, relevant ministries, universities, and professional bodies to ensure that program accreditations and qualifications are recognised in a timely manner.
Streamline Accreditation Processes: Streamline the accreditation processes for medical programs to reduce delays and ensure that accredited programs meet the necessary standards for specialist registration.
Increase Accountability and Transparency: Enhance accountability and transparency within the MMC by regularly reviewing and reporting on its decisions regarding specialist registration.
Provide Support and Guidance: Offer support and guidance to medical graduates pursuing specialist registration, including clear information on the requirements and steps needed to achieve recognition.
Enhance Legal Representation: Ensure that the MMC is adequately represented in legal challenges, either through the AGC or other legal means, to defend its decisions and uphold the integrity of the registration process.
Review Scholarship Obligations: Review the obligations associated with government-funded scholarships for medical programs to ensure that graduates are not unfairly penalised if they are unable to obtain specialist registration due to external factors.
Continuous Professional Development: Implement continuous professional development programs to ensure that registered specialists maintain and update their skills and knowledge throughout their careers.
By taking these steps, Malaysia can address the current challenges surrounding medical specialist registration and ensure that qualified doctors are recognised and able to contribute effectively to the healthcare system. I would like to end with saying MAJU UNTUK NEGARA, nothing else should matter.
Dr Betty Teh
Editor-in-Chief & Founder
Beating Hearts
