Leave IJN alone!

Much has been said about the privatisation of IJN. Some of the salient points have been commented by bloggers such as Tun Dr Mahathir, Rocky's Bru and Dato' Kadir Jasin.

I have been involved with IJN in one form or another. I have given talks there. My father had his bypass there. My aunt also had her bypass there. Fikri had his IVAD fitted and heart transplanted there. I have visited friends there. I have friends working there.

I have great admiration for the dedication of the team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, technicians, paramedics, pharmacists, clerks, receptionists, and the rest of the workforce working at IJN. From my perspective, they are very professional and tireless, and they give it their best for the health of the patients. Sure, there are drawbacks here and there, but I can say that there is an effort for continuous improvement in providing healthcare to the patients.

That is why I am shocked when I heard of the plans that IJN was going to be privatised. To me, IJN should never be privatised. Leave it as it is, a corporatised entity. IJN should not be looked upon as a cash cow for any company. Healthcare today may be a business, but there are certain things that should not be handled by a business entity. Instead of handing over IJN to a business entity, IJN should be run and managed professionally as it is.

I think that Sime Darby should stay away from taking over IJN. Rather than taking over IJN, I prefer Sime Darby to set up its own heart specialist hospital - as an alternative (and even a healthy competitor to IJN). Preferably this private heart specialist hospital should be located outside of the Klang Valley, say in Penang or Johor or the east coast - to cater for patients in those areas. Update: This view is echoed here.

Let us see if Sime Darby can really provide affordable healthcare through this private heart specialist hospital to everyone. I am of course doubtful of this.

I will join the chorus that is already loud.

Leave IJN alone!