I refer to the recent media reports on the decision of the government to set up ‘1Malaysia’ clinics.

The intention of the government to set up ‘1Malaysia’ clinics in the country is indeed a novel move. Among other things, it will definitely ease the current congestion of patients with minor ailments at the hospitals. However, the recent concerns raised by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and other good doctors with regards to the setting up of these clinics ought to be given some consideration.

Although I welcome the concerns raised by the Malaysian Medical Association and others with regards to the setting up these ‘1Malaysia’ clinics, I was somewhat taken aback with the way the medical assistants (MA) have been portrayed..

The MMA has practically questioned the qualifications, training and the legality of these medical assistants. I can understand the role of the MMA, especially in protecting the concerns and economic interest of its members but they don't have to run down the MAs.

The MAs are an indispensable lot when it comes to healthcare. When the country was facing an acute shortage of doctors in the 1960s to 1980s, these MAs were the ones who shouldered most of the medical emergencies especially in the rural areas. Even now, they are in the front line working in close association with all the other healthcare professionals.

I can vividly remember that when I was a small boy, an estate MA treated me for a medical emergency. I understand from my parents that it was the estate MA who actually saved my life during this life threatening medical emergency. In those wee hours, the nearest hospital was about 30km away. I am sure there many out there who have been treated by an MA and who will vouch for their professionalism and dedication.

The public are aware that MAs are not doctors but they are happy to receive some sort of first treatment. The MAs, too, are clear about their responsibilities and role and they have never claimed to be a doctor. If there are any legal issues with reference to the roles of MAs in treating patients with minor ailments as raised by the MMA, then I urge the relevant authorities to amend the respective legislature.

Having said that, I suggest we review the idea of locating the ‘1Malaysia’ clinics in shopping complexes and at other affluent urban areas in the country. Whatever said, the setting of these ‘1Malaysia’ clinics in these areas will somewhat affect the earnings of the private clinics located in these areas.

Furthermore, the public living in these areas can generally afford the fee for consulting private general practitioners. Those who cannot afford so usually have access to the government clinics and hospitals which are easily accessible in the urban settings.

These ‘1Malaysia’ clinics will be much more effective and beneficial to the poor if they are located in the rural areas or in places where the public have very little access to free healthcare clinics.

If at all the government decides to set up such clinics, it’s best before embarking on this noble project to invite all stakeholders for a discussion so that it turns out to be a ‘win-win’ ‘1Malaysia’ project.

In the meanwhile, the MMA should stop questioning the role of MAs in the public health sector. just to protect their own members. When the pharmacists in the country wanted to take over what is legally their job of dispensing medicinal drugs, the MMA came out with all kinds of excuses to prevent this.

Is the MMA honestly interested in the quality of public healthcare or is it a case of protecting the selfish economic interests of its members?