THE director-general of Health, Tan Sri Ismail Merican, has stated that 6,322 clinics and 1,439 dental clinics had their licences approved under the Private Health Facilities and Services Act (1998). This, he claimed, spoke volumes of the support from the majority of doctors (”Doctor chose to go to jail” — NST, Feb 1).

I beg to differ. The vast majority of private doctors are still unhappy with the ridiculous and absurd conditions stated in the Act. In fact there was even a suggestion that doctors should boycott the registration exercise.

If it were not for the DG’s “assurance” that the Act would be implemented judiciously and the frequent coaxing from the Malaysian Medical Association, the registration of the private health facilities would not have proceeded smoothly.

Within the short period of the implementation of the Act, a registered doctor has been sent to jail. Why bother to offer Dr Basmullah Yusom the alternative to avoid jail when the fine of RM120,000 was so hefty? Private clinics are not making money like gold mines. If I were in his situation, I too would choose jail.

DR TAN KEE SENG, Kangar

Source: NST – February 4, 2008