Healthcare reforms only possible with proper funding, says Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR: Healthcare reforms can only be carried out efficiently if there is enough funding, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PH-Kuala Selangor).

The former health minister said the fund, which would pool together various fund sources, would allow the Health Ministry to become a strategic purchaser and function autonomously, as stated in the Health White Paper.

"To perform this, we need a consolidated fund pool. Most importantly, reforms can only be done if we have funding through a national health fund," he said when debating the Health White Paper in Parliament on Thursday (June 15).

Dr Dzul said this would allow the ministry to become a strategic purchaser and harmonise the current dichotomy of healthcare delivery between the public and private sectors.

"It also makes the ministry more efficient and attractive," he said, adding that it would improve the ministry's service delivery system.

"This relates to the digital transformation of the healthcare system that has been overlooked for the longest time," he said.

He said the key to successful reforms would be through leaders taking responsibility for the challenge.

"There has to be commitment not only from the Health Minister. If the Prime Minister does not lead the charge in ensuring the reforms happen or play a visionary role, it may be dead in the water," he said.

On Thursday, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa tabled the ministry's much-awaited White Paper in the Dewan Rakyat.

The White Paper is now being debated in Parliament.

The 57-page document details healthcare reforms to be implemented in phases over a period of 15 years.

The Health Ministry has also conducted town-hall sessions nationwide to collect on-the-ground views on the problems surrounding the healthcare sector and proposed solutions.