Healthcare Reform Commission a possibility, says Dr Zaliha

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is exploring the possibility of forming a commission to reform the country’s healthcare system, says Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

“We are seeking and holding engagement sessions with experts from the Health Ministry and also from outside the ministry to find the best way to form the Healthcare Reform Commission,” she said in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Oct 11).

The Health Minister said this in response to a question by Datuk Dr. Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat) on the status of the Healthcare Reform Commission.

Ahmad Yunus also asked for updates on the ministry’s comprehensive pandemic plan in view of the looming threat of Disease X.

Dr Zaliha said the plan is being developed, adding that the ministry will always be prepared to face future pandemics.

Answering a supplementary question by Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) on the measures taken to combat the medical brain drain due to specialists departing government service, she said the ministry is looking into the matter.

Dr Zaliha then acknowledged that the disparity in wages between the private sector and government service may also be a factor.

“Nevertheless, we will still look into it, carry out engagement and find ways to improve the public healthcare system to ensure that people remain interested in public facilities compared to private healthcare,” she said.

“We also work with the private sector to ensure that we can serve the people well and optimise both public and private healthcare,” added Dr Zaliha.

She also said the ministry had tried to address a host of legacy issues exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Zaliha said this includes shortages in equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE) and medication, healthcare workers, facilities’ capacity, and the healthcare system’s preparedness.

She added that “Health in All Policies” and a whole-of-government approach will be carried out in phases in line with the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) initiative, saying that it will address Social Determinants of Health closely related to the Sustainable Development Goals.

The social determinants of health refer to the non-medical factors influencing health outcomes.