Fequently Ask Questions

What is MAG?

MAG is the acronym for the Merpati Alliance Group (MAG), a coalition of dedicated doctors established to:

  • Foster professional collaboration and mutual support among general practitioners (GPs).
  • Standardize consultation, medication, and procedural fees.
  • Create a network for shared resources, such as X-ray facilities, point-of-care tests, and inter-clinic referrals based on special interests.
  • Address issues faced by GPs in Malaysia and provide solutions to enhance their practices.
  • It was officially founded on October 22, 2024, after starting as a WhatsApp group during the COVID-19 pandemic to support and connect GPs in the Petaling Jaya area.
  • MAG seeks to enhance the private healthcare sector by bringing together GPs with a mission of clinical excellence and sustainability, representing their interests while providing high-quality care to patients.
  • Merpati Health Services Berhad (MHSB) is a registered business entity established by the Merpati Alliance Group (MAG) to address challenges faced by general practitioners (GPs) and enhance the sustainability of their practices. It acts as a platform for shared ventures like TPA services, pharmaceutical procurement, and other initiatives to support GPs.

DIFERENCES

MERPATI ALLIANCE GROUP

(MAG)

MERPATI HEALTH SERVICES BERHAD (MHSB)

Nature

Name of a coalition of dedicated doctors that started as a WhatsApp group and evolved to be an association.

 

Name of a registered business entity established by the Merpati Alliance Group (MAG)

Members

Registered Malaysian Medical doctors encompassing General Practitioners (clinic owners, PIC, clinic doctors and locums), Family Medicine Specialists, OHD specialists and subject specialists throughout Malaysia.

 

Doctors who are Clinic Owners.

Activities

CME. CPG, case discussions, information sharing and dissemination. Collating issues faced by GP’s and coming up with solutions.

 

Platform for GP knowledge enrichment.

 

Developing business for GP’s, medical and Healthcare entrepreneurship.

 

Investment through shares and business-related activities.

 

Platform for GP empowerment

 

Affiliates

DR4EVA WhatsApp group

 

 

  • No, MHSB is not another association. It is a business entity under MAG that facilitates strategic business ventures for GPs, such as negotiating costs for medical supplies and developing revenue-generating opportunities. While it aligns with MAG’s goals, it operates as a Berhad company rather than a professional association.

MHSB was founded to:Address rising costs for clinics.

  • Support GPs in managing third-party administrator (TPA) issues.
  • Provide opportunities for GPs to engage in collaborative and sustainable business ventures.
  • Enhance the representation of GPs in healthcare governance and policy.

Key objectives include:

  • Registering as a TPA and obtaining pharmaceutical and GDPMD licenses.
  • Negotiating and reducing costs for drugs, laboratory services, and medical devices.
  • Exploring new business ventures to boost GP revenues.
  • Promoting fair practices within the healthcare system through collaboration and self-regulation.

Clinic owners, regardless of the number of clinics they own, are eligible to participate in MHSB by becoming shareholders. Participation is voluntary, and buying shares offers an opportunity for active involvement in its ventures.

There are no registration fees at the moment to join MAG. However, participation as a shareholder in MHSB may involve purchasing shares in MHSB, which would require financial investment. Value and purchasing of shares will be announced at a later date to those who have signed the MOU.

The MOU allows eligible doctors to voluntarily join MAG programs, including MHSB. It verifies the practitioner’s identity as a prerequisite for MHSB shareholder eligibility.

Potentially beneficial projects include:

  • Cost reduction for medications and medical devices through direct procurement or import.
  • Establishing a self-regulated TPA framework to address issues with external TPAs.
  • Revenue-generating ventures designed to support GP practices financially.

Yes, signing the MOU implies a formal agreement to participate in MAG initiatives. Additionally, a non-disclosure agreement will be in place to protect the interests of all parties involved, ensuring confidentiality and preventing unauthorized sharing of sensitive information.

Participation in proposed projects is optional. The MOU signifies alignment with MAG’s goals but does not mandate involvement in specific initiatives or ventures.

The non-disclosure agreement will protect GP information. This ensures confidentiality and secure handling of shared data.

The target of 1,000 GP members is essential to strengthen MAG’s collective bargaining power, enhance resource sharing, and increase its influence in negotiations with external entities, thereby benefiting all participating GPs.