The plan for doctors in private practice to help out in government hospitals is to be supported. The health minister should be lauded for the proposal.

Some doctors would panic and question the legality of such a move, and how it might affect their own practice and income. But amidst the hue and cry, there are also many private doctors who would willingly serve free-of-charge in public hospitals, if given the opportunity.

But possibly the ministry should consider making the service voluntary and compulsory. If not for 10 hours per week, than at least for 2 hours or so.

And would the full-time government doctors feel threatened ? No. I think most would probably be ignored by patients for having neglected them all this while and the private doctors might make a name for themselves and steal the limelight!

I wonder if this proposal is causing fear amongst government doctors.

I am itchy to go back and serve in government hospitals where I had my first medical experiences, and the government doesn't need to pay me to do it.

So Mr Minister, how can we serve?