A recent letter from the Ministry of Health (MOH) regarding the supposed inadequacy of General Practitioners (GPs) in private clinics to perform musculoskeletal procedures, such as intra-articular injections or ultrasound-guided interventions, raises an important question: will we soon need to refer patients with simple cuts, bruises, or even mosquito bites to specialists?
If the MOH truly believes that GPs cannot handle these well-defined and routinely performed procedures, then perhaps it’s time to redefine health care entirely — at the cost of patients, of course.
This stance is particularly frustrating when one considers the significant investment made by GPs to continuously upgrade their skills. Many GPs have personally paid for and attended workshops on intra-articular injections, basic and complex ultrasound techniques, CPR, and more.
These workshops, often conducted by reputable trainers and institutions, equip GPs with the skills and confidence to provide evidence-based care. Yet, despite these efforts, the MOH has decided to throw them all under the bus without even consulting GP associations or acknowledging their contributions to primary care.
The letter’s narrow focus on feedback from specialist associations like the Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine communities is especially problematic. Where are the voices of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM), Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia (MPCAM), or the Private Medical Practitioners Association of Malaysia (PERDIM)?
These organisations represent the very GPs who serve as the first line of defence in our health care system. Their exclusion from this dialogue not only marginalises their expertise but also undermines the collaborative spirit needed to address such critical issues.
Does the MOH not see the value in hearing from the gatekeepers of primary care, who handle the majority of Malaysia’s health care burden?
The real-world implications of this decision are staggering. Forcing patients to seek specialists for procedures that GPs are fully capable of performing will lead to longer wait times, higher costs, and reduced accessibility, especially for those in rural or underserved areas.
And here’s the kicker — does the MOH have any plans to open specialist clinics in rural setups to bridge this gap? If not, how does it intend to address the health care needs of communities where GPs are often the only accessible health care providers? This policy shift appears to punish both GPs and patients without offering any viable alternatives.
It’s time for the MOH to get real. GPs are not just dispensers of paracetamol; they are trained professionals who provide a wide range of essential services. By disregarding their training and expertise, the MOH risks creating a health care system that is not only inefficient but also inequitable.
Patients will be the ultimate victims, forced to navigate a convoluted system that prioritises bureaucracy over care.
If the MOH’s aim is truly to enhance patient safety, it must start by engaging all stakeholders, including GP associations, in a transparent and inclusive dialogue. Policies should reflect the realities of the health care landscape, not just the perspectives of a select few.
It’s time to respect and empower GPs, not undermine them. Let’s not forget: a health care system without strong primary care is a system destined to fail.
Dr James Jeremiah is the immediate past president & founding president of the Association of Private Practitioners Sabah (APPS).
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
