I have been a practising doctor for 30 years, of which as a cardiologist for 25. Today the word emergency takes a whole new meaning. Unexpectedly Malaysia was declared a state of emergency this morning. It is undoubtedly a move that would allow the current Prime Minister to delay election in view of the worsening covid pandemic.
What was more surprising was the statement by the PM himself declaring the need to nationalise private healthcare under the emergency. Now what surprises me is when the PM announced a stricter lockdown yesterday, there were no proper guidelines given what more a mention of emergency and this need for taking over private healthcare.
If this must happen if it is to happen, in my opinion it must start with all GLC related private healthcare. IJN, Subang Jaya Medical Centre under Ramsay Sime Darby, Prince Court, Gleneagles, and KPJ are all GLC hospitals. IJN is run by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) Inc, while IHH Healthcare Bhd runs Gleneagles and Pantai hospitals, and recently acquired Prince Court from Khazanah Nasional Bhd. KPJ in itself has 18 hospitals nationwide. Ramsay Sime has 3 hospitals in Klang valley. These hospitals being GLC linked have benefitted in many ways from this association and I think Muhiyiddin Yassin has every right to nationalise them to reduce the burden borne by the government agencies especially the public hospitals. These GLC linked hospitals I am sure they are more than equipped and adequate to take the covid patients.
On that note I hope these hospitals in view of the fact they are taking covid patients, they should relieve the load of elective cases and inform the general public of the change in their designation as a nationalised hospital. This is to safeguard all non covid patients.
We all must do our part in this pandemic. And we will do our part when the election comes. It is important for each and everyone of us to vote. So take this opportunity to sign up as a voter, to inquire how to do postal votes and always be prepared.
Stay safe and take care. Do drop me a line or two. Please feel free to share and discuss.
Dr Betty Teh
Founder and Editor-in-chief
Beating hearts
