PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry will hold more engagement sessions with stakeholders at the state level for the development of the Health White Paper, says Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali.
He said the sessions, led by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, had been held in Sabah and Sarawak and would be expanded to other states before the White Paper is tabled in Parliament in November.
Speaking to reporters after attending the ministry-level National Day and Malaysia Day 2022 celebrations here on Tuesday (Sept 15), Dr Noor Azmi said based on the previous engagement sessions, there were various suggestions and remarks from stakeholders to improve the ministry's services.
"The ministry wants the Health White Paper to reflect the views of the people. It has been thought of for 30 years and still has not come true. So now, we intend to carry out major reforms in the country’s health system.
"The Covid-19 pandemic had opened the eyes of the ministry to seriously develop the White Paper so that the country’s health services would be more sustainable in the future," he said.
The Health White Paper Advisory Council was established on Aug 10 and is co-chaired by former health minister Tan Sri Dr S. Subramaniam and Axiata Group Bhd chairman Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan.
The council had its first meeting on Aug 30 and outlined the challenges and constraints faced by the healthcare system in preparation for developing the White Paper.
In another development, Dr Noor Azmi urged the public to refrain from making speculations that the Health Ministry gave special treatment to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is receiving treatment at Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
"We will give the best health treatment to all Malaysians because that is the responsibility of the ministry. There is no favouritism in terms of race, religion and rank,” he said.
On Tuesday, Khairy said Najib was in stable condition and would remain at the hospital for treatment. - Bernama
