GOVERNING THE TEACHING HOSPITALS IN MALAYSIA: LEGAL ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract. Hospital, is an institution that is built, staffed, and equipped for the diagnosis of diseases; for the treatment, both medical and surgical, of the sick and the injured; and for their housing during this process. Generally, hospitals in Malaysia are being categorized into two categories which are: public and private. Another type of hospital that serves as a centre for investigation and teaching is known as a teaching hospital. It provides clinical education and training for future and current doctors, nurses, and other health professionals, in addition to delivering medical care to patients. Some teaching hospitals also have a commitment to research and are centres for experimental, innovative and technically sophisticated services. Despite its important roles, there is no specific legislation to govern the teaching hospital in Malaysia. This situation leads to uncertainties in some crucial areas of the governance.

Therefore, this study aims to explore the legal issues and challenges with regard to the teaching hospital’s governance in Malaysia. A thorough doctrinal analysis is being conducted to examine the loopholes of the current legal position. The findings will be used to propose some recommendations for the improvement of the governance of the teaching hospitals in Malaysia.