THE 11.5% increase in the national health budget for 2023, which is a significant improvement compared to last year, is welcoming news and a step in the right direction toward necessary reforms in our healthcare system.
We wish to thank the health minister for working hard towards obtaining a higher budget for the Health Ministry.
We believe his proposal for six new initiatives worth RM3.4 billion in late September made an impact in convincing the Finance Ministry of the need to substantially increase the Health Ministry’s allocation.
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is glad that the government has recognised the ministry’s need for a higher operational budget (RM31.5 billion), which will likely go towards addressing the ageing healthcare facilities issue.
We also welcome plans to increase healthcare facilities in the country. However, we hope there will soon be further details on the administration’s plans for its healthcare human resources, which represent the heartbeat of our public healthcare system.
There is still a long way to go in addressing the issue of contract doctors and the shortage of specialists.
The government’s emphasis on prevention, by enhancing its various screening programmes, is also welcomed. We hope the public will take full advantage of the support given.
Going forward, MMA hopes that there will be transparency in the utilisation of the Health Ministry’s allocations. – The Vibes, October 7, 2022
Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai is the president of the Malaysian Medical Association
