Hanifah: Medical assistants key to driving service modernisation

BINTULU (April 9): Medical assistants are a vital pillar of Malaysia’s healthcare system and play a significant role in driving service modernisation, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib.

Speaking at the Sarawak-level Medical Assistants Day 2026 celebration held at Dewan Suarah here on Thursday, Hanifah expressed appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of medical assistants in ensuring efficient, effective and quality healthcare delivery, particularly in Sarawak.

She said this year’s theme, ‘Driving Service Modernisation, Enhancing Healthcare Quality’, reflects the urgent need for the healthcare system to evolve in line with rapid technological advancements and global health changes.

“In an era of digital transformation, medical innovation and more holistic, patient-centred care, modernisation is not merely about advanced technology, but begins with knowledge, skills and a progressive mindset.

“It is not just a slogan, but a call for change and a mandate for the future. We are at a crossroads, whether to remain with old practices or to move forward boldly towards a world-class healthcare system,” she said.

Hanifah, who is also Mukah MP, noted that medical assistants serve as a crucial link between the healthcare system and the community, especially in rural and remote areas of Sarawak.

She highlighted the profession’s growing maturity, citing the development of research culture through the Journal of Malaysia Medical Assistants (Jomma) and the adoption of evidence-based clinical practices.

Among key initiatives undertaken by the profession are the development of Standard Practice Guidelines for cardio perfusion and cardiothoracic disciplines, the introduction of the PHCALS training module, and the launch of a Medical Assistant Mentorship Model.

“These initiatives reflect a strong commitment among medical assistants to ensure safe, high-quality services in line with international standards,” she said.

Hanifah added that the Ministry of Health is currently reviewing a new bill to replace the existing Medical Assistants (Registration) Act 1977 (Act 180), aimed at strengthening legal protection and elevating the profession.

“This demonstrates the government’s seriousness in uplifting the status of medical assistants to a higher level,” she said.

She stressed that quality must never be compromised, noting that healthcare delivery encompasses efficiency, patient safety, empathy and integrity.

Medical assistants, she said, must continuously enhance their competencies through lifelong learning, ongoing training, and adherence to professional standards and ethics.

With rising challenges such as non-communicable diseases, mental health issues and increasingly complex community healthcare needs, Hanifah said the role of medical assistants has become even more critical.

“I urge all medical assistants, especially in Sarawak, to strengthen preparedness, enhance collaboration across healthcare professions, and always prioritise patient well-being,” she added.

hanifah hajar taib healthcare system lead medical assistants onsite