Heli crash: Resignation won't solve longstanding systemic problems, says senator

 

Flying Doctor Service

Senator Dr R Lingeshwaran has rejected calls for Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad to resign over the Long Lellang helicopter tragedy, saying resignation would not resolve longstanding systemic problems in the country’s healthcare system.

Health news website Codeblue yesterday reported increasing calls for Dzulkefly's resignation after the crash that killed five medical personnel.

In a statement, he said issues involving the Flying Doctor Service (FDS), manpower, allowances and other weaknesses had existed for years, with some dating back decades.

He also recalled raising concerns about the safety of helicopters used for FDS, which was later temporarily suspended in Sarawak following assessments by the relevant authorities.

On FDS allowances, Lingeshwaran (above) said the proposed increase from RM30 to RM60 remains inadequate given the risks and responsibilities faced by personnel and proposed an RM110 allowance instead. He also renewed his call for a Health Services Commission. - Mkini