THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has received complaints that private healthcare workers were stopped by the authorities and faced issues getting to work because they did not have the letter from International Trade and Industries Ministry (MITI), which is required for the essential services sector.
Two days ago, Ministry of Health (MOH) had issued a circular stating that during the total lockdown which begin on June 1, private healthcare workers will only need to show proof of their employment with the private healthcare facilities to the police if they are stopped.
“If they are still facing issues, it can only mean these policies have not been clearly communicated to the relevant departments at the ground level,” MMA’s president Prof Datuk Subramaniam Muniandy said in a statement.
“Private clinics, hospitals and dental clinics are registered with the Ministry of Health and provide frontline healthcare services.”
Thus, MMA has urged the Malaysian National Security Council (NSC) to ensure the necessary steps are immediately taken to address this issue.
According to Subramaniam, many private healthcare practitioners are also involved in conducting mass screenings on-site and at times will be required to cross districts. Therefore, permission should also be given for them to proceed upon showing the police the required documents.
“It is hoped the private healthcare workforce will be given all the support necessary from Government to carry out their duties in providing care for the rakyat,” Subramaniam added. – June 2, 2021
