Position of medical assistants in healthcare service

REFERRING to the letter “Spark needed for change in nursing profession” by Nik Safiah Nik Ismail (The Star, June 22), on behalf of the Malaysian Association of Medical Assistants (Mama), I must emphasise that the writer has chosen to “bark up the wrong tree”.

Nik Safiah claimed that the nur­sing profession is in need of a spark, but instead of providing that burning spark, she ventured into her neighbour’s home (in this case the medical assistants’ profession), picked on items that she is not privy to and attacked them.

Her actions are indeed very unbecoming because, as a professional (as claimed), the basic rule is not to encroach into others’ territory – or as the popular Malay saying goes: “Jangan jaga tepi kain orang” (mind your own business).

Yes, medical assistants are not nurses and they do not choose to be so, but it is not for her to decide if we are allied health professionals or not. Who gave her this noble right to decide who medical assistants are, declare medical assistants as paramedics and question their place in the group of five health professionals as identified by the Malaysian Qualifying Agency (MQA)?

It is for the medical assistants to choose where they want to belong, and for the agencies concerned to decide in discussions with the Health Ministry and Medical Assistants (Registration) Board upon consideration of their qualifications, role and responsibilities in the provision of healthcare in Malaysia.

We are fully aware and positive that the MQA has correctly decided the position of medical assistants in the group of five health professionals, i.e. allied health professionals.

On behalf of the Malaysian Association of Medical Assistants, I would like to state that as professionals providing healthcare to the people of this nation, let’s all behave with deference and respect for everyone. We are in the 21st century so keep abreast of changes, think positive and move forward.

PRESIDENT

Malaysian Association of Medical Assistants