From murder accused to royalty, doctor treating Anwar says all get best care
(The Malaysia Insider) – The doctor heading a team of specialists treating jailed former opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has had many accusations hurled against him but takes them as part of the challenges in his medical career.
Deputy director-general of health Datuk Dr Jeyaindran Sinnadurai said he has dealt with much criticism throughout his 30 years with the ministry and addresses it by continuing to be professional in his treatment of all patients, including politicians.
In the end, despite accusations levelled at him whether by patients’ families or by the media, Dr Jeyaindran said those who came under his care would know him better.
“Patients know me better. Although I am rebuked by some quarters, I can sleep well at night. “When they read about me in the media, they sympathise and they know me because I treat them,” he told The Malaysian Insider.
Dr Jeyaindran was in the spotlight recently after Anwar’s family demanded his removal as head of the medical team caring for the de facto PKR leader in prison. But he said he had long had the experience of treating high-profile patients, including politicians from both sides of the political divide.
“I have treated murder accused, royalty. And I treat them to the best of my ability,” said Dr Jeyaindran, who hails from Alor Star and is an alumnus of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. He said he held fast to the principles of professionalism, accountability and transparency.
“It’s a challenge when allegations are thrown at me but I have to protect the information that I have,” he said, adding that it was a doctor’s duty to observe confidentiality, especially when it comes to patients’ medical reports.
“Although some accuse me of not doing my job, I don’t feel a need to respond,” he said when asked about he felt after being criticised by Anwar’s family.
Dr Jeyaindran heads the panel treating the former opposition leader, who is suffering from various ailments, including a shoulder muscle tear, while serving out his five-year sentence for sodomy in Sungai Buloh prison which began in February.
“I am a professional and treat many people. My relationship is merely doctor-patient, that is all. “I also do not have a problem with Anwar.”
