Mma No May 6 Symbolic Walk Of Healthcare Practitioners Just Peaceful Gathering Of Mostly Gps

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NO protest march nor demonstration. The much-hyped on social media Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) rally to protest against the drug price display law today (May 6) has turned out to be a much toned-down affair.
Hundreds of doctors from 15 medical associations – mostly private general practitioners (GPs) – will gather in Laman Perdana in Putrajaya at 10am for a peaceful assembly to voice their disappointment and concern over the government’s decision to apply the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723) on the medical profession.
The climax will be the handing over of a memorandum highlighting the issues faced by private clinics by the participating associations to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

On this note, all necessary documents have been submitted to the relevant authorities to inform them about the gathering, according to MMA, while all participants have also been duly informed and briefed about the rules and decorum to be observed when attending the gathering.
Regardless of the event being just a milder version, this is the first time such an event involving private healthcare practitioners will be taking place.
On Sunday (May 4), MMA said a symbolic walk organised by its Private Practitioners Section (PPS) to voice the medical fraternity’s deep frustration over the use of Act 723 – a non-medical act on the profession – will proceed as planned if there “are no objections” from the police.
“We reiterate that doctors are not against price transparency. What we are asking for is to use the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586) to enforce medicine price display” reiterated MMA president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira.
“The public should be concerned about Act 723 being applied to the medical profession as it can negatively impact primary healthcare delivery and there are long term implications.”
MMA president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira (Image credit: dr.sim.kui.hian/Instagram)Added Dr Kalwinder who is the fourth Sarawakian ever to become a National MMA president in the association’s 65 years history:
“Private clinics are already strictly regulated under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586).
“Act 723 was never intended for healthcare. Applying a non-medical act to the healthcare sector is inappropriate as healthcare facilities are not retail businesses. It will lead to overlaps, especially on matters of enforcement.”
There are around 12,000 private GPs practicing in Malaysia with over 60% of the population depending on private clinics for their healthcare needs.
As it is, there remain many unanswered questions regarding implementation of medicine price display in addition to the unresolved issue of stagnant private GP consultation fees – a long-standing issue since 1992 (33 years).
The mandatory display of medicine prices at private healthcare facilities came into effect on May 1 following a joint announcement by the Health Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. –  Focus Malaysia

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