Going by the saying “prevention is better than cure”, he said the transformation was important to empower disease-prevention activities, encourage healthy lifestyles, improve health screenings and primary health services in the community.

He said the transformation would also encourage the expansion of digital health records among communities and the use of the latest technology in the health sector.

“We want to keep Malaysians healthy always. Every year, nearly one million Malaysians fall sick, either with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or various other diseases.

“As such, the white paper on health will become an important government policy document that will recommend reforms of the national healthcare system in phases for the next 15 years,” he said.

He was speaking at a public dialogue on the white paper held here.

Khairy said a Healthcare Reform Commission would be established to monitor the implementation of the white paper.

The functions under the ministry would become more efficient and effective including the improvement of human resource planning.

On plans for the health services in Sabah and Sarawak, he said 30 clinics would be built, 14 in Sabah and 16 in Sarawak, at a cost of RM1.5 billion.

“The ministry also aims to upgrade six non-specialist hospitals – three each in Sabah and Sarawak – into minor specialist hospitals,” he said.