THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) wants the appointments to the boards of visitors of public hospitals to be free of political appointees to ensure independence, FMT reports.

MMA president Dr R. Muruga Raj is reported to have asked the Health Ministry to explain why the boards are dominated by appointees of its minister.

He said the health minister has the power to appoint 75% of board members.

“We believe the main purpose of the visitors’ board is to improve the quality of services provided by the healthcare facility for the community,” Muruga said.

“It should therefore be free of any minister’s direct appointments so as to be able to serve its purpose.”

He said the board members have the role of providing feedback to the management and bringing up issues relating to public healthcare, saying there would be no checks and balances if the majority of board members are appointed by the government.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has the authority to appoint 75% of the members of the visitors’ boards at 139 public hospitals.

Board members are each paid an allowance of RM100 for up to six meetings a year. They serve for three years, up from two previously. – June 7, 2023.