Parallel pathway: 'Solution proposal to be presented to cabinet on June 5'

The proposal paper addressing issues concerning the Professional Advanced Degree Training Programme or Parallel Pathway for cardiothoracic surgery will be presented by Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad to the cabinet on June 5.

In a statement yesterday, Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir said two main issues must be resolved.

They are the recognition of expertise training through the parallel pathway programme by the Health Ministry and the registration of medical officers who have completed parallel pathway training in the National Specialist Register (NSR) under the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).

The matter was discussed in a joint meeting involving the Health Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry last April to seek a resolution.

Zambry said the Medical Act 1971 [Act 50] will be amended, as announced by the Dzulkefly in a press release dated April 2, 2024, to tackle various emerging issues, such as the registration of medical officers who have undergone training via the Parallel Pathway.

Zambry added that he has been tasked with providing an explanation to the cabinet in the absence of the health minister, who is attending the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA77) in Geneva.

He said the recognition problem faced by cardiothoracic students and the debate over opening Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) to non-bumiputera are two separate issues.

He claimed that some groups are exploiting the situation, alleging UiTM's behaviour is akin to “apartheid”, though the primary concern is the absence of recognition and accreditation from the MMC for these student groups.

“In addition, besides UiTM running the Cardiothoracic Science Master's Programme, other universities like the University of Malaya (UM) are also in the process of securing Accreditation Certification for this course, intending to offer it soon," he said.

He highlighted that the Madani government's dedicated efforts and commitment aim to achieve comprehensive solutions for the nation and its people.

On May 27, Zambry announced that the parallel pathway issue would be promptly addressed, with a proposed solution framework already submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers for review.

Zambry said recent discussions with the Health Ministry aimed to explore legal solutions beyond the recognition of medical programmes offered at universities.

- Bernama