THE government should allocate at least 4% of Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) to the public healthcare system under Budget 2021.
In its budget wish list, the Malaysia Health Coalition (MHC) said such a move would be in line with global health strategies for achieving universal health coverage.
“We need to address health emergencies and promote healthier populations. The COVID-19 pandemic has jolted our healthcare system, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.
“Budget 2021 must tackle these weaknesses, support our frontline healthcare professionals and carve out a clear plan for improving the health of all Malaysians,” it said, in a statement.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz is scheduled to table Budget 2021 on Friday. Experts have said the budget will include measures to revive the economy, ravaged by COVID-19.
To date, the government had announced six stimulus packages, amounting to over RM300 bil to keep the nation going while doing its best to keep the pandemic in check.
MHS said Malaysia currently spends between 2% and 2.5% of its GDP on healthcare, adding an increase would partially make up for years of underspending, bringing Malaysia closer to international standards.
On tackling COVID-19, MHS said the government must utilise much of its healthcare allocation on four areas; namely developing human capital, improving infrastructure, pandemic response and research & development (R&D).
“By now, the government must recognise the contribution made by our frontliners and support healthcare workers. We should provide them with permanent employment, rewarding them with appropriate allowances and incentives.
“The government should also focus on improving healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas and East Malaysia. We must take note on how the pandemic hit Sabah hard,” it said.
MHS added the government should also allocate resources for pandemic response and preparedness, as the novel coronavirus has demonstrated the importance of disease surveillance, contact tracing and public health preventive measures.
The non-governmental organisation (NGO) reminded the government that these areas require additional investment to strengthen coordination and improve use of analytics.
“There must also be an ear-marked allocation for vaccine purchase, personal protective equipment (PPE), consumables and fixed assets needed to combat a pandemic.
“We also need adequate allocation for education, R&D, service delivery and pandemic preparedness,” it said.
On non-COVID-19 related issues, MHS said Budget 2021 should invest in measures to promote Malaysians to live a healthy lifestyle.
Deal with pollution, corruption
Among the measures suggested was to impose “sin tax” on soft drinks and sugar, subsidising nutritious meals for schoolchildren from low-income families and encourage exercise.
“We also need heavy investment to strengthen mental health services in the country, especially for children.
“The government must provide mental health services and access to care for frontliners, children who have undergone prolonged isolation, and adults who have experienced job loss, on top of those already at risk of mental health issues,” it said.
MHS added that Budget 2021 should also include measures on environmental protection’ namely dealing with water pollution, air pollution and climate change.
One way, it said, was to introduce bold moves such as offering tax incentives for companies investing in solar-generated electricity, sustainable waste management solutions and enforcement against pollution.
“While they may not come under the purview of the Health Ministry, such measures are important for long-term health of our people,” it said.
MHS also suggested for the government to implement a comprehensive reforms on the Malaysian healthcare system to eliminate corruption and abuse of power.
One way to do it, it said, was for the government to form an independent commission to come up with strategies to reform the healthcare system and supervise its implementation.
“The commission must consider ways to govern the people at the Health Ministry, potentially complementary to the Public Service Division.
“The government must also move towards universal health coverage through multi-year reforms in sustainable healthcare financing,” it said.
MHS said Budget 2021 should also invest in public-private sector integration and partnerships, which include clinical services to vaccine manufacturing.
“We must also invest in digital health, including a meaningful portable electronic health record (EHR) system, hospital information system (HIS) and a telemedicine framework,” it said. – Nov 2, 2020
