The document details the challenges faced by the healthcare sector, as well as the policies, strategies and directions for healthcare system reforms to be implemented over the next 15 years.

“The white paper aims to improve the health and well-being of the public to make it relevant to current and future needs,” she said.

“This is in line with the government’s efforts to build a healthy nation with a resilient healthcare system in the long run.”

Initiated by the previous government, the health white paper outlines four pillars and 15 healthcare reform strategies to create a healthcare system that ensures the well-being of the public.

Yesterday, the head of a health think tank poured cold water on the 57-page health white paper, saying it under-delivered on proposing solutions to some of the healthcare issues plaguing the country.

Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy CEO Azrul Khalib said that while the policy document highlighted the major issues that needed an effective response, the solutions were “insufficient”.

These challenges include the plunging non-Covid-19 vaccination rate, backlog in cancer screenings and treatment, as well as the “significant attrition” in healthcare personnel working in the public health sector.