THE Malaysian Health Coalition (MHC) has cautiously welcomed the health strategies described in the 12th Malaysian Plan (12MP), especially in the view that long-term health reforms can no longer be postponed.
“However, we believe that 12MP must be more ambitious, structured and detailed in its implementation plans,” it said in a statement on Oct 11.
As such, MHC has recommended that the Government dramatically strengthen the healthcare and public health infrastructure as the COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed the country’s healthcare facilities as evidenced by overloaded hospitals and the backlog of 57,000 surgical and medical procedures.
“The surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths indicate the failure of our public health system, including laboratories, testing infrastructure, disease surveillance, and contact tracing mechanisms.
“It has also starkly demonstrated the insufficiencies of our health system, including hospital infrastructure, medical equipment, manpower needs and distribution in health clinics and hospitals.”
According to the coalition, decades of under-investment in hospitals, clinics, and public health systems must now be revised in 12MP to allow better pandemic and population health management.
This includes targeted health interventions for under-served populations like women and children, persons with disabilities, and older persons.
“Larger allocations to health must be accompanied by accountable and transparent public procurement processes, without layers of bureaucracy to reduce the risks of corruption.”
Meanwhile, MHC suggested that a Health Reform Commission be created by an Act of Parliament and accountable to Parliament during the duration of the 12MP.
“This Commission must convene with relevant health experts, including relevant professional societies and civil organisations, build the reform blueprint and supervise long-term reforms while working closely with the Health Ministry (MOH).”
The reforms, MHC said, should be intended to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of healthcare access to all residents in Malaysia while decentralising the country’s healthcare system.
Currently, MOH acts as standards-setter, provider, regulator, and payer.
“Decentralising healthcare decision-making from MOH headquarters may eliminate conflicts of interest and increase agility in healthcare provision.
“This also allows MOH headquarters to focus on strengthening our public health infrastructure and act as regulator.”
The coalition also proposed that under the 12MP, the national health financing system should increase the funding available to maintain and improve the standard of healthcare in the nation’s public health system to ensure equity, accessibility and financial risk protection for all.
“We recommend gradually introducing compulsory social health insurance (SHI) for those in the formal economy.
“Subsidies can extend SHI to the informal economy or the unemployed, as a measure of safety netting for all residents.”
According to MHC, SHI is the most realistic option to add new sources of healthcare funds because while the country’s tax collection has been reduced, national debts are increasing over time.
“SHI will also bring us in line with how developed countries like France, Germany, Japan and South Korea fund healthcare.” – Oct 11, 2021
