KUALA LUMPUR: The Rakan MOH (Health Ministry) initiative is set to enhance service delivery, ensure equitable healthcare, and address the financial sustainability of Malaysia's public healthcare system, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said that Rakan MOH aims to prioritise sustainability and accessibility for all Malaysians.
"The first step in my reform agenda is transforming health financing. This initiative is designed to make the system more sustainable and innovative while delivering improved health outcomes, patient care, and better public health management,” he explained during Bernama TV's "The Nation" programme on Saturday (Oct 19).
Dzulkefly emphasised the need for a tax-based health financing system to integrate private health facilities within public hospitals, which could include a full-paying patient wing to generate additional income.
"Revenue generated from this initiative will enhance compensation for healthcare professionals, including specialists and nurses, and promote a flexible framework to improve job satisfaction and retain talent within the public healthcare system," he added.
Rakan MOH would offer "Madani premium economy" services for those willing to pay for upgraded care while ensuring continued access to affordable healthcare for the B40 group.
"This initiative will focus on developing collaborations with private investors and GLCs (government-linked companies) to expand and improve healthcare infrastructure, while ensuring affordability remains a top priority for the lower-income population," he said.
He stressed that the initiative was not a step toward privatisation but rather a strategic collaboration aimed at elevating public healthcare standards.
"The key is to remain inclusive. We want to ensure that every Malaysian, regardless of economic status, has access to quality healthcare services. We are also exploring new financial models to ensure the system’s sustainability," he said.
Dzulkefly previously proposed expanding "private wings" in government hospitals to raise revenue for the country’s underfunded public healthcare system.
He mentioned that establishing full-paying patient (FPP) services within Health Ministry hospitals would help boost revenue by offering private services through existing infrastructure.
Currently, FPP services are available in 10 ministry hospitals, providing patients access to specialist doctors and first-class wards at competitive rates, though these services are constrained by limited resources, expertise, and facilities.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, while tabling Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday (Oct 18), announced the Rakan MOH initiative, which involves collaboration with GLIC (government-linked investment companies) to provide paid health service options at affordable rates to ensure a more resilient, sustainable, and self-sufficient public health service system. – Bernama
