Dr L. Sivanaesan appointed new MMA president

 

Dr L Sivanaesan has been appointed the new president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), succeeding Datuk Dr R Thirunavukarasu, whose term ended today. - BERNAMA pic

IPOH: Dr L Sivanaesan has been appointed the new president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), succeeding Datuk Dr R Thirunavukarasu, whose term ended today.

The former MMA president-elect previously served as chairman of MMA Selangor, honorary deputy secretary of the association for two terms, and chairman of the MMA Private Practitioners Section from 2023 to 2024.

Speaking at the MMA 2026 dinner here tonight, Sivanaesan said retaining doctors in Malaysia's public healthcare system will be his priority as the nation faces growing healthcare demands and an increasing need for medical personnel.

"Training a doctor takes many years and requires significant investment," he said. "When experienced doctors leave the public system, we do not simply lose a member of the workforce; we lose experience, expertise and the continuity of care they provide to patients."

Sivanaesan said retaining doctors cannot be addressed simply by increasing the number of medical graduates, noting that greater attention must be given to doctors' career progression, working environment, professional development and long-term prospects within the public healthcare system. - NST