KOTA KINABALU: Some 141 doctors, specialists, general practitioners, paramedics and others in the general practice services from Sabah, Sarawak, West Malaysia and Brunei takes part in a three-day 2nd Association of Private Practitioners Sabah (APPS) Scientific Conference held at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here which begin today.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Joachim Gunsalam, who officiated the opening of the conference, hopes it will not only serve as a platform for the participants to update their knowledge but also for strengthening their relationship.
Urging the participants to work closely to strengthen themselves and their roles in the society, he said he know general practitioners (GPs) are often faced with many problems and issues, not only due to the market and economic uncertainty but also the seemingly unfair treatments from third parties, regulators and other health alliances, just to name a few.
“Because of this, we must unite, work together, be seen as working together, be heard and most importantly be involved where necessary. Let us work together and you should make use of all your local elected representatives and activists so that the relevant policymakers as well as your intended recipients can hear you loud and clear.
“But more importantly, we need to make full use of our very own organisation and association like Association of Private Practitioners Sabah, Sabah Medical Association and Malaysian Medical Association to voice our common needs as one united voice and not as one individual GP,” he said.
Dr. Joachim, who is also the Patron of APPS, also hopes that the association will not only look after its medical members, but also extend help far and beyond.
“The Association should do and conduct more outreach, medical camps and charitable activities especially to those in most need of your services but cannot afford the fees,” he said.
Besides that, he said APPS can and should work hand in hand with the State Government especially through the Sabah Maju Jaya concept to help the Sabah community.
“Let us work together and I, in my capacity as a Cabinet Member, shall do my level best to assist in anywhere possible,” he said, while thanking APPS, especially its Founder and Advisor Datuk Dr. James Jeremiah and President Dr Devadas Ramankutty for organising the conference and hope to see many more events like it to be organized by APPS in the future.
Dr. Joachim, who is a GP himself, also wishes all doctors a Happy Doctor’s Day that will be celebrated on Oct 10.
Sabah Health Director Datuk Dr. Rose Nani Mudin was also present.
In the medical profession, a general practitioner (GP) is a physician who treats acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health education to patients of all ages. Their duties are not confined to specific fields of medicine, and they have particular skills in treating people with multiple health issues. They are trained to treat patients to levels of complexity that vary between countries.
