From The Star

SEREMBAN: Medical assistants and nurses have been told to be more courteous when dealing with patients.

Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said this was important as they formed the front-line at government hospitals and had a role to play in enhancing the image of the ministry.

“We often hear of complaints from patients on poor service at hospitals both in rural and urban areas.

“This happens because some of us have negative attitudes, poor communication skills and lack of respect for them … this is not good,” he said in his speech at the convocation of 1,290 nurses, medical assistants and community nurses at the Medical Assistants’ Training College here.

His speech text was read by state health, science, technology and innovation committee chairman Datuk Ismail Taib.

Liow said it was pointless if the medical assistants and nurses had good knowledge of their work but did not have the “human touch”.

“Patients have different needs … this can be complex and sophisticated. As public servants, we must have proper communication skills and always be professional when carrying out our duties,” he said.

Liow said since medical assistants and nurses formed the backbone of the medical industry, they must always strive to improve.

He also urged the medical assistants and nurses to pursue advanced medical programmes as the three years they spent to complete their diploma programme was insufficient to allow them to give their best at work.

“The three-year training only gives you basic knowledge in this field. It is my hope that all of you would pursue advanced courses in specific fields,” he said, adding that such courses have already been made available by the ministry.

Citing an example, he said the Medical Assistants’ Training College here provided post-basic forensic medicine and sports medicine courses.

He said they should also believe in “lifelong learning” as this was the only way they could keep themselves abreast of developments in the medical field.

Liow said on his part, he would do his best to ensure all medical colleges under his ministry had the latest information and communication technology equipment.

“This is necessary because you need to know the new medicines that come into the market and ways of treatment.

“I would also make sure the training facilities and syallabus at hospitals and community clinics were updated regularly,” he said.

Of the 1,290 graduates, 718 were from the Port Dickson Community Nurses College, Medical Assistants’ Training College (299), Seremban Nursing College (235) and another 38 who completed their post basic training at the same college.

Liow said he was also happy to note that there were no drop-outs in the batch which graduated Tuesday.

“I just want you to know that you can even pursue your studies up to degree, Masters and even PhD levels. On our part, we will always support those who wish to pursue their tertiary education to improve themselves,” he added.

By SARBAN SINGH