Fewer rules make for better general practitioners

THE authorities should make room for general practitioners (GPs) to focus on treating patients instead of worrying over the many rules that come with penalties.
Doctors are already governed by the Medical Act, Poison Act and other laws. It is not necessary to have a Private Healthcare Bill to oversee doctors in private practice.
There is now also a substantial fee to pay when applying to register. The government should not profit from such fees.
I have a high regard and trust for my colleagues. However, in all professions there will be a few black sheep. It is unfortunate that good ethical doctors have to be burdened because of a few black sheep. The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) can deal with errant physicians.
Doctors should not be treated like naïve, immature children who need to be spoon-fed and told what to do. They should be allowed to do the right thing as they are top professionals and are among the most trusted professionals according to a public survey.
General practice is very important. There are now fewer family doctors (GPs). Since there are now so few GPs, some sick people opt to treat themselves by buying drugs over the counter (even scheduled drugs as supervision is poor). As a result many end up with complications and have to be admitted to hospitals for treatment.
Medical costs have gone up mainly due to the tremendous increase in prices of drugs.
Many years ago before the late seventies, opening up a medical practice was a simple task. A doctor only needed to register with MMC to make certain they are qualified, then find a suitable place to practice, make suitable renovations to the clinic, hire staff and then he would be ready to treat patients. Doctors are trusted to do the right thing. However, only those who are up to the standard should be allowed to take up medicine.
The routine work was to keep decent medical records, good record of medicines stocked, maintain a good financial account and practise with up-to-date knowledge and ethically as a good trusted doctor so that your patients will want to return to you again whenever they have a medical problem.
In the past it was very difficult to be accepted by a medical school and there was also the hurdle of the interview.
Those who take up medicine for financial reward should not be accepted. Only those who want to study medicine to help people should be accepted. This should be the main criterion.
The new government should encourage GP practice (family doctor) for the benefit of family healthcare. Family practice still plays a big role in the healthcare of our country and the authorities should do all they can to encourage it and not cause it to be less attractive by imposing so many rules.
Datuk Dr Lee Yan San
Consultant Physician