Male midwives an acceptable growing trend

Since time-immemorial, doctors or specialists in the field of midwifery are accomplished by both men and women. However, in recent years we are seeing more men choose this field as a career with mixed reaction from the public.

A Medical Officer from the Emergency and Trauma Department of Lahad Datu Hospital, Dr Muhammad Naim Abdul Razak, said the public should not think negatively as doctors are professional and their focus are to save the lives of patients.

He said all diseases and medical conditions deserve attention from doctors, including pregnant women who are at high risk and dealing with various compilations when giving birth.

"The patient's condition is unpredictable due to facing a variety of risks," he said.

A gynaecologist from the same hospital, Dr. Syahrul Azwan Azhari, said that the gender issue related to physicians has often discussed because not all patients are comfortable seeking treatment from a doctor of the opposite sex.

"Men and women are both vital in this area because we have our own roles. I chose this field of midwifery because it is different from the other units. My intention is to help mothers and children. So there should not be a dispute about it."

Head of the Department of Medical Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (PPUKM), Prof Madya Dr Harlina Halizah Siraj also believes that the notion that the profession of midwifery by male doctors as a pornography activity is an insult to them.

Chairman of the National Fatwa Council, Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Abdul Shukor Husin, said that a career in the field of gynecology can be taken up without restriction gender because it is considered Fardu Kifayah (compulsory).