Amendments To Medical Act 1971 Aim To Enhance Specialist Training, registration - Health Dg

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Amendments to the Medical Act 1971 (Act 50) represent a critical step in rectifying inconsistencies and addressing issues from the 2012 amendments and aimed at enhancing the governance of medical training and specialist registration.

 Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said the new provisions, oversight mechanisms and Schedules 4 and 5 are designed to ensure greater clarity, transparency, and accountability within the medical profession.

Dr Muhammad Radzi, who is also Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) president, said the amendments also reflect the government’s trust in MMC as a regulatory body.

“These amendments provide a clear outline of the requirements for inclusion in the Specialist Register, and the inclusion of post-qualification work experience (PQWE) and competencies in Section 14B of the Act reflect the Ministry of Health’s commitment to maintaining high standards in medical training and specialist services.

“It is hoped that the amendments will lead to better healthcare outcomes and improve the quality of training for medical professionals, ultimately ensuring greater patient safety,” he said in a statement today. 

In this regard, Dr Muhammad Radzi welcomed the amendments to Act 50, approved by the Dewan Negara today.

“With these amendments, I am hopeful that the medical profession will advance towards a new chapter in Malaysia, with all parties working together to address the urgent need for specialists without compromising quality,” he added.

He also expressed hope that newly registered specialists will use their skills and expertise to serve the nation, particularly the underprivileged.

Earlier, the Medical (Amendment) Bill 2024, which grants MMC powers to recognise qualifications and specialist training for medical registration, was passed by the Dewan Negara after being debated by 14 senators.

-- BERNAMA