MOH to save RM200 million with ILKKM integration move

KUALA SELANGOR, Oct 5 -- The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) can save up to RM200 million in operating costs when the MOH Training Institutes  (ILKKM) are integrated in phases.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the rationalisation measure would improve operating efficiency, without reducing intake of students.

"I think The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) did not have the full information when they said there would be a reduction in student recruitment.

"I have explained and made this clear since the very beginning, at the Dewan Rakyat," he said when asked about Cuepacs urging the government to review the proposed closure of 33 ILKKMs nationwide.

He said this at a press conference following the Meet the People Programme: Know Your Medicines and the Global Pharmacy Day Celebration 2019 here today, which was officiated by MOH director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

Dr Dzulkefly said 19 ILKKM would be merged in phases, and the first stage this year involved nine institutes.

"The capacity of ILKKM will be optimised when 13 of it will function as College of Allied Health Sciences (KSKB)," he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Noor Hisham in his opening speech said World Pharmacy Day is celebrated on Sept 25th every year starting 2010 to raise public awareness of the profession of pharmacists as well as recognise the importance of the pharmaceutical field in healthcare.

Dr Noor Hisham said today, the profession of pharmacy is expanding to include the traditional medical, academic and research sectors.

"Now pharmacists play a very important role in providing pharmaceutical care to patients and need to be wise and prudent in advising on the medications provided so that the drugs are used properly," he said.

-- BERNAMA