About Us
The Penang Medical Practitioners' Society
Our History
The PMPS (Penang Medical Practitioners' Society) was founded in 1932 to represent local medical doctors in their dealings with the bureaucracy of the ruling colonial government. This idea was established by a small group of private practitioners who wanted to increase the social venue among doctors, and one of them was Dr. Lim Swee Leong, the former president of PMPS in 1934.
At the time of the formation of the society, Mr A.M. Goodman, Resident Councillor of Penang and former Chinese Affairs Secretary in Singapore, was a very important figure as he started trying to get the doctors to come together to form a group whom he could sound for their views. He respected the medical community, and eventually for their services, private practitioners were rewarded by the government.
The medical establishment in Penang in 1932 comprised doctors working in the government service who were almost exclusively British, and a number of private practitioners. Such a group of eighteen private practitioners converged on May 27th of that year at 337 Anson Road for a meeting which was convened by Dr J Emile Smith, a Malayan general practitioner and leader of the Eurasian community. At the meeting, it was unanimously agreed to form a society to be styled The Penang Medical Practitioners' Society.
Our Objectives
To foster social interaction among doctors, regulate the practice of medicine, and provide a united forum for engaging with government and stakeholders.
Historical Milestones
1932
Foundation
Eighteen private practitioners gathered at 337 Anson Road and unanimously agreed to form The Penang Medical Practitioners' Society.
1982
Golden Jubilee
A grand dinner was held at the Penang Club on 30th May 1982 to celebrate the golden jubilee of the founding of the PMPS. It was a nostalgic occasion, made more poignant and significant with the special appearance of Dr Lim Poh Thye and Dr. Charan Singh who were among the 17 Founder Members.
Mid-1980s
CPD Programs
Since the mid-1980s, the PMPS has been organizing continuing professional development (CPD) programs and courses regularly. Book publication is another area the PMPS is active.
2002
PMPS House
PMPS had accumulated up to RM900,000 by 2002. The dream of all PMPS members to own a building, called the "PMPS House", was finally conceptualized. PMPS building now sits on a precious piece of land easily worth RM7 million.
2016
Koperasi Doktor Pulau Pinang
KDPP was set up as a brainchild of Dato' Dr Sathish K. Shukla. The members of this cooperative are made up of life members of PMPS, enabling members to invest in medical-related ventures.