KUALA LUMPUR: The RakanKKM initiative is not intended to replace the public healthcare system but to enhance it, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad says.
He clarified that RakanKKM offers voluntary additional services for those who can afford them, with no coercion involved. The existing comprehensive public healthcare services will continue and the commitment to providing the best public health services to Malaysians remains unchanged, he said in a parliamentary written reply dated Dec 2.
Dzulkefly was responding to concerns from Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (Barisan Nasional-Ayer Hitam) about whether RakanKKM amounted to the privatisation of public hospitals.
He emphasised that the initiative is wholly owned by the government through the Minister of Finance Inc, with the possible future involvement of Government Linked Investment Companies. RakanKKM will be regulated by the Health Ministry.
"It is clear that privatisation is not an issue," said Dzulkefly.
Addressing the objectives and use of additional revenue from RakanKKM, Dzulkefly said it is intended for the public interest.
He added that RakanKKM improves on two existing initiatives, the Full-Paying Patient (FPP) initiative and Flexi Hours, by strengthening equity and sustainability.
The Health Ministry has started work on health reforms outlined in the White Paper, coordinating with the Ministry of Economy for the 13th Malaysia Plan. Among the main reforms is health financing.
"The Health Ministry is taking a realistic and phased approach, tailored to Malaysia's context and framework, with long-term strategic solutions through the initiative to establish a National Health Fund," he said.
He explained that the National Health Fund will act as the custodian and collector of funds from various sources, with government allocations as its foundation. It aims to support demand-based health financing and ensure transparent accountability for health outcomes.
Dzulkefly was replying to Dr Wee’s question about the status of the reforms in the Health White Paper and assurances that RakanKKM would not lead to the privatisation of public health services or a two-tier system based on ability to pay.
RakanKKM, described as the government’s premium economy service, is expected to receive its first patient by the end of the year.
