Iron out kinks in ’1Care’, says MMA

It's president, SR Manalan, feels that the country is not ready for the proposed new healthcare system.

PETALING JAYA: The big question is not whether doctors will lose their dispensing rights under the proposed “1Care” but rather if all stakeholders are ready for a change, said Malaysian Medical Association chief, SR Manalan.

Manalan believes that the recent furore surrounding the Health Ministry’s proposal for a change to the current healthcare system is unfounded.

“There have been no official comments or clarifications on the proposed changes and I have my reservations as I’m not sure if it will really come about,” he said.

However, the ministry has shed some light on the issue through its director of pharmaceutical services, Eisah A Rahman, recently.

Eisah did not give a time frame when the new law is to be implemented, but said changes to the healthcare industry will benefit patients the most.

Manalan said that there were many school of thoughts on this issue and that the confused state many people are in reflects the ambiguity in the system.

“Some say that doctors should be dispensing while some say they shouldn’t. There are as many private physicians who support the changes as those who oppose it.

“This is one of the main obstacles that will prevent the government from progressing with the proposed changes to healthcare system,” said Manalan.

Hold dialogues
He added that there are technical issues that needed to be solved first, claiming that our present system has been around for a long time and that changing it would require a mammoth effort.

He reasoned that if there was a change, it will generate another round of debate concerning doctors rates and the pricing of medicines at pharmacies.

When asked about recent claims by certain quarters that there are doctors who are overcharging and illegally dispensing a number of drugs, Manalan conceded that every profession has its “black sheep”.

“Yes, there are doctors who tarnish the majority’s reputation by going against our professional code of conduct but what can we do?” he asked.

Manalan stressed that Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai has agreed to hold dialogue sessions with all parties that have a vested interest in this issue.

“If the Health Minister himself wants to take into account the plight of both doctors and pharmacists, doesn’t that speak volumes?” he asked.

Manalan wants the public to “calm down” and let the authorities take their time with this issue, as it is going to be long drawn out and complicated.