The club’s chairman Dr Zaliha Mustafa said it took note of public concerns over the proposed restructuring of the national budget, particularly involving the health sector, which is estimated to reach over RM3 billion.
She said an immediate paradigm shift was required to transition the healthcare system from one oriented mainly towards patient treatment to a “more comprehensive healthcare approach based on public well-being”.
“To ensure the sustainability of the nation’s healthcare system in the medium and long term, several key initiatives outlined in the health white paper must be accelerated,” she said in a statement today.
Zaliha, the Sekijang MP and a former health minister, said this included expediting the introduction of the base medical and health insurance and takaful plan to reduce the healthcare sector’s reliance on federal funds.
She also proposed that the government postpone plans to build new hospitals and instead focus on upgrading existing facilities, including ensuring sufficient medical equipment and supplies, and strengthening support for the local production of medicines and medical devices.
Zaliha said refurbishing dilapidated health clinics must remain a national priority, with facilities upgraded to at least Type 4 clinics – which can handle 150 to 300 daily visits – to ease congestion at public hospitals.
She said the Madani medical scheme should also be continued as it had proven an effective buffer in reducing patients’ dependence on public hospitals for minor treatments.
The Madani medical scheme is an initiative by the government through the health ministry to cover the medical needs of the B40 group. It is automatically offered to Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah recipients to cover the cost of treatment for minor ailments at nearby private clinics.
Last week, the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy raised concerns over a proposed RM3.06 billion cut to the health ministry, warning that it could affect public healthcare services.
The think tank said the reduction could lead to longer waiting times and delays in treatment while increasing pressure on healthcare workers, adding that a majority of Malaysians rely on the public healthcare system.