DOCTORS NEED TO PUT PRIORITY ON PATIENTS RATHER THAN RICHES

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Doctors need to be more responsible in discharging their duties in treating patients than seeking profits, said former prime minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

"Doctors should sacrifice time and have sympathy for patients to serve
society. The doctor's profession is different from other professions. Service is
just not for salary but more towards treating and making patients recover," he
said.

Dr Mahathir said this when met by reporters after receiving a Honorary
Doctor of Medicine award from the International Medical University (IMU) in
conjunction with the university's convocation here Wednesday.

The award was given in recognition for his sacrifices administering the
country for 22 years from 1991 till 2003 and his capacity as a medical doctor.

The award was presented by IMU chancellor, Dr. Sulaiman Daud.

Dr Mahathir was also asked to comment on the attitude of a a group of
doctors who were careless and rough when dealing with patients.

"Before there weren't many doctors. Now we have tens of thousands of
doctors, so there will be some among them who cannot carry themselves well," he
said.

Dr Mahathir said there were some doctors who did free work for charity.

"Like the Mercy (voluntary oragnisation) doctors, not getting any money,
working overseas and living in difficult conditions," he said.

In his speech receiving the award, Dr Mahahthir said doctors not only
learned self-discipline but also learned patience treating patients and
symphatised with what happened to the patients.

He said doctors in this country were lucky that not many among them were
faced with court claims in relation to being sued by patients.

"Many doctors overseas face court action so they have to charge high
treatment fees to their patients compared to charges here," he said.
-- BERNAMA