THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is happy to note that the Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin is in agreement with the association that the White Paper on Healthcare Reforms needs to be tabled as soon as possible.
We do hope that he is able to get it tabled in Parliament by November this year.
MMA has repeatedly called for a reform to be looked at, years before the pandemic hit us. We knew that even though our healthcare system had received accolades for its accessibility, there is much that needs to be done before our populace truly receives healthcare that is not only accessible and equitable but also affordable to all.
Financial allocation is always a point of contention as it means a diversion of funds from elsewhere. We stand firm to the attestation that a healthy nation will progress and achieve its goals to become a developed nation.
The White Paper must touch on many issues plaguing the nation’s healthcare system. Whilst it has to be a comprehensive document, there are some pertinent areas to look at.
The nation has been so preoccupied these past two years with infectious diseases mainly on COVID-19 and its variants. It is to note that many of the victims are those who are elderly, as well as those with comorbidities.
It is timely that we come out with policies for the management of the elderly as our nation will soon become an ageing nation. Our seniors cannot be made to fend for themselves and the Government needs to have the foresight to work on geriatric issues to avoid it being a huge burden on the healthcare system.
We need to work now on policies that support and promote healthy ageing so that spending on treating illnesses among elderlies can be reduced.
Furthermore, non communicable diseases (NCDs) have taken a back seat these past two years and we need to resume our attention to bring NCDs under control.
A nation with low incidence of NCDs will be a much healthier country with resilience to future pandemics. Policies in screening for NCDs should be formulated, not only for the B40s but the whole population.
Rare diseases should not be forgotten
These diseases are not so rare now with advancement in diagnostic tools. Though treatment and ways to manage such diseases may be available, it remains expensive and out of the reach of most.
There has to be a concerted effort to boost our own research facilities to allow for homegrown treatment modalities which will it treatment affordable.
Similar to cancers
As a nation ages, so will the incidence of cancer rise. Policies on affordable screening for everyone, similar to programmes to encourage screening for NCDs will ensure that we detect cancer in its early stages.
Treatment costs will rise tremendously for each advancing stage of cancer with most not being able to afford treatment at a tertiary stage and sadly opting to live out their final days in the deadly throes of an advanced cancer.
Having a healthy nation will mean everyone needing to adopt a healthy lifestyle. We should look into incentives and programmes to allow the populace the means and avenues that encourage and support a healthy lifestyle.
Healthcare workforce, not to be forgotten
But if the healthcare workers themselves are not taken care of, all our plans will come to naught.
We need to put in place a conducive working environment and ensure proper human resource planning to ensure that healthcare personnel are able to give their very best in the maintenance of a good healthcare system.
This White Paper will need a bipartisan approach. Healthcare must never be politicised. Do not gamble away the health of our nation.
MMA hopes that Khairy will continue to engage with the association as he moves forward with the drawing up of the White Paper.
As a final note, a social health financing scheme has been suggested before and even attempted. Will anyone dare to take up the challenge once again? – March 17, 2022
Dr Koh Kar Chai is the president of the Malaysian Medical Association.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
