No need for ‘national health insurance’, we have universal healthcare: deputy minister

KUALA LUMPUR - There is currently no need for the government to introduce a “national health insurance” considering Malaysians can already enjoy free healthcare.

Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri noted that the government is already allocating tens of billions of ringgit each year for the Health Ministry to ensure health services are accessible to all.

Additionally, he said there are also the MySalam scheme, which provides coverage for low-income Malaysians aged 18 to 65 against 45 critical illnesses, and the Peka B40, which provides free health screenings, medical devices, and incentives for cancer treatment, among others.

“Based on the principle of universal health coverage, the government strives to ensure that all Malaysians have access to quality healthcare, without being exposed to financial burdens.

“This is why we have not introduced any national health insurance to date, because our healthcare service is already free. This is something we should be proud of,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Abdul Rahim was responding to a question from Datin Dr Tan Yee Kew (PH-Wangsa Maju) on whether the government intends to introduce a national health insurance or card for all Malaysians who suffer from critical illnesses.

She had said that this would allow patients to have the option to receive treatment in private hospitals, particularly involving emergency cases.

Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) also argued that the need for such an insurance is high now considering recent Covid-19 developments, which he said has led to long queues and overloading at public hospitals and clinics.

Abdul Rahim, however, said a national health insurance could mean added burden to Malaysians and the possibility of costlier health services.

“The government must be careful about implementing such insurance. Studies have to be conducted to ensure the rakyat are not burdened.

“We have seen the mistakes made by certain developed countries when the insurance is introduced. It led to the cost of obtaining healthcare to increase, and this is exactly what we are trying to avoid,” he said. - The Vibes, November 4, 2020 – The Vibes, November 4, 2020