Malaysia’s first genetic pathology specialists are registered under the amended Medical Act, a key milestone in healthcare reforms to standardise specialist recognition.
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has registered its first genetic pathology specialists, marking a significant milestone in healthcare reforms.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the November registration followed the formal recognition of Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Master of Pathology (Medical Genetics) programme.
This resolves a long-standing legal ambiguity for graduates, universities and the healthcare system.
Dzulkefly said a key priority since taking office in late 2023 has been resolving inconsistencies in specialist recognition.
“The amendments to the Medical Act, passed by Parliament in July 2024 and enforced through the Medical Regulations signed in July 2025, represent the fastest legislative reform ever undertaken by the Ministry of Health,” he said.
He added that the reforms create a strong legal foundation for fair and transparent specialist recognition.
The minister said this development benefits both trainees in the ministry’s Parallel Pathway and graduates of local Master’s programmes.
He also welcomed the formal acknowledgement of the MOH as an official training provider under the Medical (Amendment) Act 2024.
This legal regularisation ensures both Parallel Pathway and Master’s programmes in MOH hospitals are fully compliant.
Previous milestones this year included the registration of cardiothoracic surgeons from the Parallel Pathway in August.
The ministry also introduced a monthly Pre-Gazette Specialist Incentive Payment of up to RM2,800 for medical officers.
Furthermore, a formal comparability evaluation mechanism has been established for doctors trained abroad.
“These reforms are fully aligned with the Malaysia Health White Paper,” Dzulkefly said.
He congratulated the newly registered specialists, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to strengthening governance and safeguarding patient care.
