KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 – DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng has voiced his support for the recognition of medical specialists from parallel pathway programmes in Malaysia, echoing sentiments expressed by the Malaysian Association for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (MATCVS) President Dr Basheer Ahamed Abdul Kareem. In a Facebook post, Lim emphasized the importance of not sacrificing excellence and meritocracy for bureaucratic hurdles, particularly when graduates from such programmes are accepted in prestigious hospitals globally.
Highlighting the recognition of the parallel pathway programme by regulators in the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong, Lim emphasized the rigorous standards upheld by institutions such as the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. The programme, initiated by Tan Sri Dr Yahya Awang to address specialist shortages and provide opportunities for local talent, has produced graduates who are sought after internationally.
Lim’s remarks come in response to concerns raised by Dr Dayang Anita Abdul Aziz regarding the non-recognition of parallel pathway training for specialists under the Medical Act 1971. Dr Basheer, dismissing Dr Dayang Anita’s claims as unsubstantiated, emphasized the employability of parallel pathway programme graduates, who have secured positions in renowned institutions abroad. As discussions continue on the recognition of these specialists, Lim advocates for a focus on excellence and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles in the healthcare sector.
