PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) says it hopes for fresh and innovative ideas from the Health Ministry as it manages the Covid-19 pandemic under the leadership of Khairy Jamaluddin.

       Its president Prof Datuk Dr Subramaniam Muniandy also said he looks forward to engaging with the newly appointed Health Minister on the challenges besieging the healthcare sector.

       “The Health Ministry is probably the most important ministry at this point in time, as the country struggles to overcome the pandemic.

       “We hope the setting up of a health commission to steer Malaysia out of the pandemic will be top on the minister’s agenda.

       “There are also many longstanding issues such as permanent positions for contract doctors, which we hope will be resolved during his term in office,” he said in a statement on Friday (Aug 27).

       He also hoped that there will be greater recognition of the role that primary healthcare providers play in the overall healthcare system, as well as the need for increased public-private cooperation.

       Dr Subramaniam added that Khairy has proved himself to be a capable leader in his past ministerial portfolios, primarily the Youth and Sports Ministry and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.

       “We wish to welcome him into his new role as we look forward to working more closely with the Health Ministry,” he said.