The first phase of the study will look into the aspects of human resources, health facilities and equipment, said the ministry in a statement.

It said it will come up with projections on the nation’s healthcare needs up to 2045.

“This project is aimed at overcoming imbalances in the distribution of healthcare resources. By setting a national standard for important health assets, the ministry is working on making the healthcare system more balanced, sustainable and efficient.

“This long-term planning is very important in Malaysia’s transition towards becoming a high-income nation,” it said.

The ministry urged public and private healthcare sector stakeholders to take part in the online survey, noting that there were about 18,500 registered private healthcare facilities.

It said the data obtained from the survey will be kept confidential and used exclusively for the study.

“The ministry urges all private healthcare facility operators to take part in the survey before July 15. The contribution of all parties will form the future of Malaysia’s healthcare system and ensure that every Malaysian has access to the best healthcare,” it said.

The health ministry was allocated RM41.2 billion under the annual federal budget for 2024, a significant increase compared with the RM36.3 billion set aside last year.

The public health sector has consistently grappled with issues like lack of manpower and overcrowded hospitals or health clinics.

Last month, the Malaysian Medical Association said a survey found that 95% of public healthcare facilities nationwide were struggling with insufficient manpower.