Involved approach needed to tackle NCDs, says Deputy Health Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Fulfilling universal health coverage for non-communicable diseases (NCD) is an ambitious target which requires a multifaceted approach, says Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni (pic).

He said tackling NCDs would require involvement across various sectors, disciplines and stakeholders, including from outside the health sector.

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"Given how sustainable development goals are interlinked across various aspects and stakeholders, ministries and agencies (when together) also have immense power and potential to reduce the burden of NCDs.

"This is especially because the Malaysian population's exposure to NCD risk factors is largely determined by policies in trade, labour finance and urban planning, among others," he said when officiating the Universal Health Coverage Day event here on Tuesday (Dec 13).

Universal Health Coverage is celebrated globally on Dec 12 every year.

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It is defined by the World Health Organisation as providing all members of society with access to a full range of quality health services where and when they are needed.

Separately, Lukanisman said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also instructed the Cabinet to move towards a multi-ministerial approach in order to address the challenges faced by the rakyat.

"In this regard, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa and myself will strategise on the best way for the healthcare sector to move forward (with related ministries) once we have been briefed on the Health White Paper.

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"At the same time, civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations also play a role in helping achieve the nation's health goals.

"Health is a basic need of the rakyat and we will meet it," he said.

Lukanisman was one of the 27 deputy ministers announced by Anwar on Friday (Dec 9).