KUALA LUMPUR (June 15): The Health White Paper was passed in the Dewan Rakyat via a majority voice on Thursday (June 15).
The white paper, tabled by Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, outlined the issues plaguing Malaysia’s public healthcare sector, along with strategies to reform the national healthcare system.
Addressing concerns raised by members of Parliament over the Ministry of Health’s plan to review the fee structure at public healthcare facilities, Zaliha said a detailed and transparent analysis, as well as public engagement, will be conducted prior to any changes being made to hospital or clinic fees.
On concerns revolving around the ongoing contract doctor dispute, Zaliha said the ministry was in the midst of finalising a comprehensive action plan.
The Health White Paper centres around four main thrusts: improving healthcare service delivery; advancing health promotion and disease prevention; ensuring sustainable and equitable health financing; and reinforcing the healthcare systems’ foundations and governance.
The plan to reform the national health system is set to be implemented in phases over a 15-year period.
The Dewan Rakyat is slated to reconvene for its third session on Oct 9. The session is slated to span 32 days over eight weeks till Nov 30.
According to Parliament’s website, Budget 2024 is slated to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 13.
For more Parliament stories, click here.