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Here we pen our stories about our latest activities and our weekly feature on Humans of Medicine. Our team is forever expanding, if you’re interest in contributing to our blog, feel free to contact us.
A Response to the Continuation of JPA Scholarship for Medical-Related Programmes
We refer to the above matter. This is a press statement released by Malaysian Medics International (MMI) as a response to the continuation of JPA scholarships for medical-related programmes as we strive towards establishing a conducive environment that nurtures the growth and development of healthcare professionals in Malaysia.
We commend the government's decision to prioritize the education of our future healthcare professionals. The healthcare industry plays a crucial role in our society, and investing in the education of healthcare professionals is vital for the well-being of our nation.
We call upon the Public Service Department, better known as Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA), other relevant stakeholders and distinguished policymakers to consider the following：
1. Review existing publication on human resources for health
2. Provide a compensatory solution for JPA scholarship applicants
Overview of the Current Ministry of Health (MoH) Contract for the Healthcare Professionals
In response to the drastic increase in healthcare professionals (HCPs), the Malaysian government has implemented a contract system since 2016 to alleviate the oversupply of healthcare professionals. Apart from the current effort paid by the government authorities, it is imperative to understand the consequences of the contract system and the current status quo faced by medical officers, dental officers, and pharmacy officers working under the Minister of Health (MoH).
For the mentioned press statement, the possible solutions proposed by the Malaysian Healthcare Students Alliance can be summarized as follows:
1. Provide Transparency in Selection Process to become Permanent HCPs
2. Adjust Benefits Provided to the Contract Healthcare Workers
3. Review Selection Criteria for Future Intake of Students for Healthcare-Related Programmes
We would like to call upon the Malaysian Government Agencies, University Authorities, and relevant Healthcare Student Bodies to consider the suggestions for their welfare. In addition, we hope the release of the press statement will serve as a means of advocating public awareness.
“First and foremost, we are human beings, and human beings are kind.”
“First and foremost, we are human beings, and human beings are kind” — Tareq Nassri, HIV activist.
Interviewed and written by Eunice Tan. Consent has been obtained for this publication.
This publication by @mmi_milieu is in conjunction with MMI’s Mental Health Initiative on HIV and mental health.
Further Clarification Needed on the Discontinuation of Scholarships for Medical-Related Programmes
We refer to the above matter. This is a press statement released by Malaysian Medics International (MMI) to seek clarification of the discontinuation of scholarships for medical-related programmes as we strive towards establishing a conducive environment that nurtures the growth and development of healthcare professionals in Malaysia.
We call upon the Public Service Department, or better known as Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam （JPA), other relevant stakeholders and distinguished policymakers to consider the following：
1. Clarify the implementation of the current plan
2. Review policies on human resource planning in the healthcare sector
A Response to The Formation of Cabinet
We refer to the above matter. This is a press statement released by Malaysian Medics International (MMI) to highlight several pertinent issues that require further consideration as we strive for a more equitable and responsive healthcare system.
We hereby recommend for the government:
1. To improve the availability of scholarships for Master's & Parallel Pathway Programme to contract doctors
2. To evaluate and address shortages of medical specialists in the public health sector
3. To improve the quality of the National Postgraduate Training Programme curriculum
4. To review existing guidelines and policies on managing junior doctors with mental health conditions
5. To improve the welfare of contract doctors undergoing housemanship training or the compulsory service period
An Urgent Call for the Government to Take Immediate Action to Resolve Horizontal Violence and Unprofessional treatment towards House Officers
We refer to the above matter. This is a press statement released by Malaysian Medics International (MMI) in response to the recent issues faced by house officers and further recommendations to ensure the well being of the junior doctors.
We hereby recommend for the government to:
To shift the cultural mindset of workforce bullying and implement more respectful communication in workplace policies.
To instil complete transparency in the investigation and re-evaluation of the House Officer training system
To execute reasonable changes to the mandatory weekly work hours to alleviate both the senior and junior medical workforce’s stress and mental wellbeing.
To encourage active maintenance of mental health and physical wellbeing among senior and junior medical staff members
“Disabilities can be great hindrances to the conveyance of emotions, thoughts and beliefs, but these should not be reasons a whole community is silenced.”
The least one would expect from a center for children with special needs, is that the staff members are equipped with adequate knowledge to deal with emergency situations. Yet, having worked at the center proved otherwise.
I was in my second year of medical school when I decided to take on a part-time job at a unit for special needs children. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching them, and was always coming up with new methods of conveying information to make sure I was getting through to the children. Pictorial representations always did the job, and I was happy to be able to connect with the children. I was young, passionate and naïve, cradling high hopes that we live in a progressive society with enough awareness towards disabilities health. However, the harsh slap of reality revealed how unprepared we were to receive the disabled community, as were the teachers and volunteers who froze in panic when a special child broke into fits of seizures