KUALA LUMPUR: Healthcare reforms will be the top priority of the new Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Koh Kar Chai.

       "We need to take a long, hard look at healthcare reforms that are much needed for our country, he said,adding that the process could take a few years," he said.

       In his acceptance speech at MMA's 61st National Annual General Meeting, which was held virtually on Saturday (Sept 11), Dr Koh emphasised the need to continue engaging the government on various issues concerning the healthcare system, with doctors taking the lead.

       He said there were a multitude of issues to look at involving both the public and private sectors.

       "This includes tackling the issues of contract medical officers, a lack of medical personnel or rather misplaced medical personnel in the public sector, dispensing separation, medicine price control and unequal access to secondary and tertiary care among others," he said.

       Dr Koh took over the reins as MMA president from Prof Datuk Dr Subramaniam Muniandy.

       Upon completing his medical degree in 1991, Dr Koh served in the Health Ministry before venturing into general practice in 1994.

       He has been an active member of the MMA for almost two decades and is involved in numerous policy discussions and decisions on healthcare issues.