KUALA LUMPUR – Stakeholders have mostly given the government’s RM32.4 billion Budget 2022 allocation for the public healthcare sector the thumbs up.
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Koh Kar Chai praised the government for prioritising the Health Ministry, with its budget allocation second only to the Education Ministry.
He added that the additional RM2 billion for the country’s National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) and for the capacity-building of public health services are appreciated.
“(The) outsourcing of services to private hospitals, as well as hospitals under various ministries, is a good move and ought to be expanded,” he said in a statement yesterday.
“Procurement of antiviral medication for diseases caused by various viruses should also look at medical therapeutics, which are low cost but equally effective.
“PICK has been a success and should be continued and expanded to include even more vaccine-preventable diseases.”
Koh also encouraged the government’s plan to provide tax relief and deductions for employers, saying that vaccines should be provided free for the B40 group.
He said the continuation of Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat means that non-communicable diseases have not been forgotten.
“We have been talking about extending the sugar tax as well as imposing excise duties on nicotine-containing vape liquids or gels. It is noted that this is being addressed.”
However, he hopes such excise duties are channelled towards the budget needed to manage diseases related to sugar consumption, and cigarette smoking or vaping.
He said MMA has previously sought extensions for the contracts of medical officers to between seven and 10 years.
However, an extension from two to four years, as announced by the government yesterday, will give contract medical officers an opportunity to specialise, he added.
“MMA will continue our discussion with the government on this issue.”
He added that the allocation of RM100 million towards the sponsorship of specialisation courses, slated to benefit 3,000 medical and dental officers, was welcomed.
Additionally, he said mental health continues to be given importance – “rightly so, as seen by the mental health devastation that was brought on by this pandemic,” said Dr Koh.
“Tax relief for psychiatric treatment and psychological counselling will go a long way to help managing the mental health of our nation.
“Not forgotten are also the victims of domestic violence, the end result of which is managed by the health sector, be it physical or mental injury. It is timely that this forgotten group is taken care of.”
Yay to new incentives
Healthcare company Aurelius Healthcare Sdn Bhd also lauded the new incentives to bolster Malaysia’s healthcare industry.
Aurelius Healthcare group managing director Datuk Amir Firdaus Abdullah said the allocation signifies the continuous commitment by the government to ensure the health and well-being of Keluarga Malaysia.
Amir said in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the company applauded the RM11 million allocation to subsidise mammograms and cervical cancer tests for women at high risk.
“The government’s efforts to combat rising health issues, like non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, should be commended, as this will ensure a healthier future for all Malaysians.”
Amir added that the RM70 million to strengthen the support for mental health is a welcomed move.
Preparing for future pandemics
Meanwhile, a public health expert, who also praised the allocation, said the government must use a portion of the funds to prepare for future pandemics or epidemics.
“This must not be a budget that rests on its laurels. We should look into more specific areas to beef up our system in anticipation of possible events in the future,” said a public healthcare expert who preferred to remain anonymous.
“Covid-19 has taught us the shortcomings of the health system. But now is the time to overcome these shortcomings and, if God forbid, another pandemic comes, we will be prepared.”
The expert said although this year’s allocation is a RM500 million increase compared with last year, the allocation for healthcare staff appeared to be the same.
“There seems to be no additional allocation for the beefing up of human capital in particular areas as the focus may be more for infrastructure.”
However, he lauded the allocation of RM100 million in scholarships but said more focus could have been given to non-common areas of medicine.
“Not investing enough in human resources and doubling down on infrastructure is akin to having a Ferrari but no driving licence.”
Similar to MMA, the expert said he believes the duration of employment for contract staff should be 10 years.
He also said the RM70 million allocation to address mental health issues is insufficient but was “a good start” and a “breath of fresh air”.
The expert also branded the government move to cooperate with St John Ambulance and the Red Crescent Society as a “brilliant move”.
“It’s a good opportunity for the public to get to know these societies and donate to them. The donors will also be able to get tax breaks so it provides them a sense of charity.
“The ecosystem will be a full circle. It shows the beginning of private and government healthcare coming together.” – The Vibes, October 30, 2021
