Go international, doctors advised

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman said yesterday that physicians should be the most prepared profession in entering the globalization era as it has long been associated with various international activities and associations.

Speaking at a session during the 23rd congress of the Indonesian Medical Association in Padang, West Sumatra, Oetojo said physicians must be ready to compete in the domestic and international market.

He said as trade borders collapse in the globalization era, Indonesian doctors should not lose out in competition and should be able to stand on par with their foreign counterparts.

Oetojo said that while the medical profession basically entails humanitarianism, economic factors also play a major role in its development.

"In the global competition, only the best will acquire the best place," Antara quoted Oetojo as saying.

Oetojo also urged doctors to improve their knowledge and skills to reduce the number of malpractice cases.

The five-day congress in Padang which began Tuesday features seminars and symposiums on contemporary health problems and treatment.

During the congress, the association will also elect the deputy chairman, the head of various committees and the chairman of the Medical Code of Ethics Council for 1997/2000.

It will also issue recommendations concerning doctors' practicing licenses, diagnosis procedures of HIV/AIDS, human cloning, malpractice and the improvement of skills and scientific knowledge to face the global era.

In a separate session with the Indonesian Medics' Wives Association, State Minister of Women's Role Mien Sugandhi said the nation should master science and technology to reduce dependency on foreign physicians.

In her written statement read by the official of the association, Zakiah Alatas, Mien also called for a campaign against juvenile delinquency to counter problems like drug addiction among youngsters.

She said that the campaign would help prepare the youngsters for the global era. (09)