In the face of change and innovation, Malaysia’s healthcare sector stands on the threshold of major transformation. Former health minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, emphasizes the role of sufficient funding as a cornerstone to drive these reforms, as discussed during the recent parliamentary debate on the Health White Paper.
Dr Dzulkefly advocates for a consolidated fund pool that encompasses various funding sources. This would empower the Health Ministry to operate autonomously and serve as a strategic purchaser, aligning the existing healthcare services offered by the public and private sectors.
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“The ministry could then function with increased efficiency and attract more partnerships, further enhancing the healthcare delivery system,” Dr Dzulkefly highlighted. He also pointed out the urgent need for digital transformation in healthcare, an aspect that has been overlooked for far too long.
However, establishing the necessary funding and digital upgrades are only parts of the equation. Successful reform, according to Dr Dzulkefly, requires committed leadership willing to take on the challenge. The initiative should not just come from the Health Minister but also the Prime Minister, who needs to play a visionary role to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms.
On the same day, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa presented the ministry’s eagerly awaited White Paper in the Dewan Rakyat. This 57-page document outlines the proposed healthcare reforms that are set to unfold over the next 15 years.
In order to collect grassroot perspectives on the issues plaguing the healthcare sector and the proposed solutions, the Health Ministry has been conducting town-hall sessions across the nation. The future of Malaysia’s healthcare sector hangs in the balance, awaiting the final decision of Parliament.
Based on a news report from The Star.
