KUALA LUMPUR: The government's inter-ministerial committee to tackle the contract doctor issues must set time, milestones and regular updates on the matter.
Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai said a more action-oriented measure is needed rather than the standard replies of past governments when confronting complex issues.
"The contract doctors are tired of the same old story of the government saying they will 'look into the matter' and 'form a committee'.
"MMA will be open to supporting an inter-ministerial committee to resolve the contract doctor issues if the government commits to setting a timeline and milestones to resolving all the concerns," he said.
On Friday, the Cabinet agreed to establish a high-level committee to deal with the issue of contract doctors.
The committee will include representatives from several ministries and agencies, including the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
Dr Muruga said in the private sector, daily or weekly work-in-progress updates are demanded on projects teams are working on.
"Tax-paying Malaysians should be getting regular updates to track the progress on this issue.
"The issue of contract doctors is a national issue that has a serious impact on the health care of the population."