The recent decree by the Ministry of Health (MOH) questioning General Practitioners’ (GPs) ability to perform procedures like intra-articular injections or ultrasound-guided interventions is nothing short of a masterpiece in bureaucratic overreach. One can’t help but wonder: will we soon need a referral to a specialist for something as minor as a mosquito bite, a cut, or a bruise? Perhaps the MOH can save us all the guesswork and issue a new directive banning GPs from handling anything more complex than writing sick notes & pill-pushing.

This decision is particularly stunning when you consider that many GPs have taken it upon themselves to upgrade their skills at great self cost. Thousands of hardworking GPs have paid for and attended workshops on intra-articular injections, basic and complex ultrasound techniques, CPR, and more—all to ensure they can deliver quality care to their patients. But apparently, all of that effort and expense means nothing to the MOH. Without so much as a courtesy consultation with GP associations, the Ministry has effectively decided to throw GPs under the bus, dismissing their expertise and reducing them to glorified pill-pushers.

And let’s talk about the MOH’s brilliant consultation process. Instead of engaging the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM), the Malaysian Primary Care Network (MPCAM), or the Private Medical Practitioners Association of Malaysia (PERDIM)—all of which represent the very GPs affected by these policies—the Ministry has chosen to take feedback from a select few specialist associations. How considerate! Why hear from the people who handle the vast majority of Malaysia’s healthcare needs when you can consult a handful of specialists instead? After all, a balanced view might actually complicate the narrative.

And what about rural Malaysia? You know, the places where GPs are often the only medical providers within miles? Does the MOH plan to open specialist clinics in every kampung, or will rural patients just be left to fend for themselves? Maybe the Ministry is banking on teleportation technology to transport patients to specialists in urban centers. Or perhaps their next grand plan involves exporting our entire rural population to cities for treatment. Genius.

Let’s also not forget how this new policy will affect patients. The MOH seems to believe that longer wait times, higher costs, and limited access to care are minor inconveniences for the average Malaysian. Why let a GP provide timely, affordable treatment when you can force a patient to travel miles, wait weeks, and pay through the nose to see a specialist? After all, it’s not like healthcare is supposed to be accessible.

Come on, MOH—just get real. GPs are not clueless amateurs fumbling around in the dark. They are trained professionals who provide vital services to millions of Malaysians every day. By undermining their expertise and sidelining their role, you are not protecting patients—you’re failing them. If patient safety is truly the goal, it’s time to stop micromanaging and start trusting the very people who keep this healthcare system afloat.

Datuk Dr James Jeremiah ADK, PGDK

MBBS; DTMH; DRM; DSTD; LFOM

Chairman & Founder

Permai Polyclinics Group