The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) welcomes the recent increase in civil servant salaries, which includes a long-awaited pay raise for health care professionals serving in the public health care system.
This adjustment is a crucial step towards recognising the invaluable contributions of our dedicated doctors and other health care workers.
While this pay increase is a positive development, there is much more work to be done for our health care system. MMA believes that long overdue reforms are necessary to ensure a sustainable and high-quality health care system.
A Health Services Commission, separate from the Public Service Department, remains essential to effectively manage the employment and welfare of health care professionals in the civil service.
This Commission should have the authority to oversee the placement, salary scales, and working conditions of health care professionals, ensuring that their remuneration and benefits are competitive with the market.
Regular, independent reviews would help maintain a fair and equitable system that attracts and retains top talent in the health care field.
By implementing these reforms, the government can further strengthen the nation’s health care system and provide the best possible care for its citizens.
Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz is president of the Malaysian Medical Association.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
