PETALING JAYA: Resolving the problems related to the Parallel Pathway Training, or the specialists’ training programme, is part of Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s (pic) 100-day key performance index (KPI).
“I place the problem of ‘Parallel Pathway Training’ as my 100-day KPI. (Even if) I risk ‘failing’ in this KPI, do it l must!” he posted on X on Saturday.
He said he had met almost all “feuding” medical entities and eminent healthcare practitioners in relation to the issue.
“Having listened to all, I am positive that we shall find an amicable closure.
“Again, l stress, never lose sight of the forest for the trees. Even in dire need to increase the number of specialists, we must not compromise on our quality,” he added.
Dr Dzulkefly said it is not in the ministry or the nation’s interest to abolish the Parallel Pathway programme.
“But, it’s important that we promptly harmonise the training programmes that meet the requirements of our local laws, regulations and standards, so as to achieve our nation’s urgent needs for specialists.
“I don’t (want to) dwell on the specifics (as) that is the job of the task force, but as the minister, I would want to see more to be trained and do it better.
“We must work together on this. We must do a catch-up on quantity yet jealously protect our quality,” he added.
The Health Ministry has said that the Parallel Pathway “has been designed to allow training of internal medicine trainees – wherever they may be – so that services to patients are not jeopardised”.
It also said the Parallel Pathway is “part of the overall post-graduate training programme and forms part of the process of finally becoming a sub-specialist in Malaysia”.
Dr Dzulkefly was responding to a tweet by Hospital Putrajaya consultant nephrologist Dr Rafidah Abdullah, who said there are quarters trying to “kill off” the Parallel Pathway programme which enables doctors to continue their specialist training.
“(One) has to wait for at least five years to enrol in a Master’s programme in a local university. The seats are limited. The service rendered to the people would definitely be affected due to the shortage of specialists.
“We need the Parallel Pathway programme to continue. Please don’t destroy it,” she said.
Dr Rafidah, a vocal advocate of the medical community, said she was simply lending her voice to highlight the agony of junior doctors.
She added that doctors could only keep their anguish to themselves as they have to continue serving the country.
“The lowest point of my 26 years’ career so far is seeing my colleagues suffer. Soon the nation will be affected,” she said.
Tagging Dr Dzulkefly and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in one of her posts in the thread, Dr Rafidah said she is certain that they will help the medical fraternity.
Malaysia is currently facing a shortage of specialists.
Last year, the Health Ministry increased the training slots for the Master of Medicine programme to 1,500 in 2023.
Former minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said last year that this will be done in collaboration with the Higher Education Ministry to offer 23 specialist areas in eight public universities.
Apart from that, she said training slots under the Parallel Pathway specialist programme sponsored by the ministry have also been increased to 600 every year, involving 14 specialist areas.
