Malaysian doctors with foreign specialist qualifications will now find it easier to return home and serve, following the Malaysian Medical Council’s (MMC) approval of new evaluation guidelines, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said.
Dr Dzulkefly emphasised that the move addresses long-standing barriers faced by many Malaysian-trained doctors abroad whose credentials were previously excluded from the country’s “recognised” list.
“For too long, many of our doctors faced hurdles because their qualifications weren’t formally recognised. With a transparent comparability evaluation, every pathway will now be assessed fairly and rigorously, with patient safety as the top priority,” he said in a statement on social media today.
He added that the guidelines, approved on Sept 23, are part of wider reforms introduced after the amendment of the Medical Act in 2024. In August, the ministry also cleared the way for cardiothoracic surgeons holding the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons to be formally registered in Malaysia.
Dr Dzulkefly said the MMC now has greater clarity and authority in evaluating and registering specialists, reinforcing its role in safeguarding standards and strengthening public trust in the healthcare system.
“This isn’t just an update; it’s a strategic leap towards a system that is inclusive, transparent and robust. We are building a future where every qualified doctor has a fair chance to serve, and where patients benefit from the best care possible,” he added.
