THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has been advocating for a review of the current healthcare system in Malaysia since the 80s – when we recognised that the system may be ageing.
But there was no urgency nor the political will to do something about it, as healthcare services were still adequate albeit with some shortcomings here and there.
There was also international praise for our healthcare system which led many to believe that if the system is not broken, there is no need to fix it.
However, fast forward to current times as we are endeavouring to come out of the Covid-19 pandemic – when we finally realised that we can’t wait anymore.
The pandemic has caused the gaps in our healthcare system to be more evident, and MMA has made the call to support reform of the current system.
So, of course, we will support the health minister in his efforts to draw up a Health White Paper to be tabled in Parliament. This is a way forward to achieve the required changes to have seamless and accessible-to-all healthcare delivery at an affordable cost, and healthcare quality that will be the envy of many other countries.
This is indeed a courageous call by the health minister and one that should be supported by the people. MMA calls upon all MPs from both sides of the divide to back this call for the future of our nation.
It is hoped that regardless of the outcome in the coming general elections, there will be commitment from the government of the day to follow through on the much-needed reforms in our healthcare system.
Healthcare shouldn’t be the responsibility of the Health Ministry (MoH) alone, but all ministries.
If we look deep enough into other ministries, we will see that there is a healthcare component within them – a component which has the ability to cripple them, if not attended to.
Therefore, the logical way to go is to have a Healthcare Commission that is being proposed as part of the reforms.
The problem is, other ministries and agencies having control and say in healthcare service funding and management hampers the effectiveness of the system. Health involves every one of us, but the system needs a certain level of autonomy to allow it to adapt to continuous change – improving its ability to face challenges that are thrown to it on the spot.
Increase national health budget essential by 5% to carry out reforms
The desire to increase the healthcare budget from 2.85% of the GDP to 5% is essential if we are sincere about reforms to the system.
This 5% is the bare minimum needed as we move forward in an exercise to expand our healthcare services, as well as to improve the system.
The shift from sick care to healthcare and wellness will need a realistic level of funding to make it work. Otherwise, all efforts will fall flat even before it begins.
Primary care will be key to sustainable healthcare delivery
The Health White Paper will touch on every aspect of everyone’s life from newborns to those nearing the edge of life. However, one cannot escape the fact that primary healthcare is a cornerstone that can’t be ignored and must indeed be strengthened if we are to embark on meaningful reform.
Primary care is the first line of defence in the healthcare system. With an emphasis in this area, health can be monitored to prevent disease or certain conditions from progressing to a chronic stage.
Primary care practitioners play an important role in prevention which will ultimately help Malaysia cut high costs for treatments. While MoH has plans to enhance primary care, it will also need to embark on campaigns to educate the public on the role of primary care in our healthcare system.
It has been shown that by shifting most healthcare services from tertiary and secondary over to primary care, healthcare spending can be utilised more effectively and ultimately lead to overall reduced healthcare spending.
It will allow preventive care to be prioritised and this is where the focus will be, instead of just spending on curative care.
Ultimately all are reminded that this reform needs a whole society and whole government approach to make it work. – The Vibes, August 16, 2022
Dr Koh Kar Chai is the president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA)
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