A helping hand from private medics


New hires: Recruiting from the private sector is one way to solve staff shortages in public hospitals. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

PETALING JAYA: The Selangor Health Department has opened up the path to enlist the services of private sector healthcare workers to assist in government healthcare facilities on a sessional, ­honorarium or pro bono basis.

“The engagement of private medical specialists, medical officers and allied health professionals is intended to help improve public access to treatment and specialist services at Health Ministry facilities,” the department said in a letter to ­various hospitals in Selangor, sighted by The Star.

The recruitment drive targets three main categories: medical specialists, subject-matter expert (SME) medical officers, and allied health professionals.

The letter also outlined the ­eligibility criteria for the healthcare personnel that could be enlisted.

“All applications must first be submitted to the Medical Dental Advisory Committee at the ­hospital level for consideration and approval to determine the necessity of the proposed service.”

It also issued a reminder that early planning should be undertaken for the engagement of private personnel on a sessional or honorarium basis.

“Funding requirements for this purpose should be adjusting through the Operating Expenditure Budget under Activity 020200: Hospital Management (OS29000).

“If existing allocation is insufficient and if there is an urgent need to obtain sessional or honorarium services, the hospital involved must first submit an application for additional funding and obtain budget confirmation from the Selangor Health Department,” it said.

Medical specialists engaged under this arrangement must hold full registration with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), possess a valid Annual Practising Certificate (APC), be registered with the National Specialist Register and have at least two years of experience in their respective specialty.

SME medical officers must similarly hold full MMC registration and a valid APC, together with the relevant privileging certification and a minimum of four years experience in the specialised procedures or services concerned.

As for allied health professionals, they must possess a recognised diploma, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or equivalent qualification, accredited by the ministry or an equivalent body.

In addition, they must have at least two years of working experience in the relevant allied health field.

The age limit for medical specialists and allied health professionals is 65 years although specialists above this age may be considered, subject to special approval from the Health director-general.

However, SME medical officers must not exceed the age of 60.

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