PARLIAMENT | An opposition MP debating the budget today urged the government to consider more financial incentives for female doctors to specialise in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Wan Razali Wan Nor (Perikatan Nasional-Kuantan) said he proposed the move in order to address a “dilemma” faced by Muslim women in childbirth, while at the same time noting the contribution of all doctors involved in the process.
“Here, I would like to propose that the Health Ministry find a way to attract more women to take up the positions of O&G specialists.
“We realise that this is an extremely challenging field with a heavy workload. However, in order to attract their interest, perhaps the government can offer a different pay scheme or additional incentives,” said the PAS lawmaker.
“If we do not start now, when will the time come? The time has come for us to honour the women who have made countless sacrifices for all of us.
“We must realise that without women, our own mothers, none of us will be here today,” Wan Razali told the Dewan Rakyat.
While women giving birth at private hospitals will have the option to choose their preferred doctors, including requesting a female doctor, the same choice will not be available at government hospitals.
However, only female nurses are allowed to assist women in O&G wards at all government hospitals.
Related issues raised in the past include a Muslim woman’s aurat or body parts that cannot be exposed to a non-related man and whether childbirth or other medical emergencies constitute an exemption to the rule. - Mkini
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