THE Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy has called for bolder reforms in the health sector under the 13th Malaysian Plan (13MP) tabled yesterday (July 31) in Parliament by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Describing the current plan as “underwhelming”, its CEO Azrul Mohd Khalib said the 13MP falls short in the areas of healthcare financing, health workforce, outbreak preparedness and response, and non-communicable diseases.
“The gaps, fragility and reality of the healthcare system revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic years were supposed to help inform, guide and prepare the strategic vision of the 13MP,” he remarked.
“Instead, the 13MP does not acknowledge the rebuilding still needed, and the hard-won lessons bought at so much cost to lives and national wealth. For health, the 13MP proposed vision and reforms are simply not bold enough.”
Azrul went on to criticise the current tax-funded healthcare system, calling it “not sustainable”, adding that reforming healthcare financing is critical and has to be done now.
He also said the Rakan KKM programme, offering “premium economy” services at selected public hospitals, and the proposed basic medical and health insurance and takaful (MHIT) product from the government were insufficient initiatives.
“What is needed is a compulsory National Health and Social Insurance to provide complementary funding to support health and aged care,” he stressed.
“Adopting a rate similar to SOCSO contributions, we could raise at least RM6 bil annually to complement the annual health allocation under the federal budget.
“With more of the population becoming older and needing specialised services, a portion could ensure that aged care is properly funded and sustained. It can provide a means to improve treatment options and a resource during times of crisis.”
According to Azrul, the government should have also announced a health services commission under the 13MP, which would take over the task of managing public health workers from the public services department.
“This commission would potentially enhance governance, improve accountability, and better manage human resources, leading to improved service delivery, and stronger confidence by the public and healthcare workers,” he said.
He said there was no clear vision or plan on how to stem the rise in non-communicable diseases, of which treating them takes up about 70% of the billions in Putrajaya’s annual health expenditure.
Azrul also said that failure to increase investment in effective treatments and care for NCDs could lead to more patients dying from sub-optimal treatment.
“The 13MP should represent a bold and ambitious vision to ensure that the country’s healthcare system continues to be fit for purpose.
“Strategic actions in strengthening the healthcare workforce, reforming national health financing mechanisms, enhancing infectious disease preparedness, and dealing with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain imperative for the well-being and resilience of Malaysia’s healthcare system.
“We cannot afford to be timid,” he added.
Yesterday Anwar said Putrajaya will allocate RM40 bil for the health sector under the 13MP.
He said in addition to building and upgrading health facilities in several states, a framework for professional development will be developed to ensure talent retention in the health sector. ‒ Aug 1, 2025
Main image: The Star
