Building a healthier healthcare system must begin with compassion

Photo: Filepic, The Star

THE announcement of Budget 2026 has brought much-needed attention to Malaysia’s healthcare system, which was allocated RM46.52bil to strengthen public health services. This increase of about 2.8% from the previous year focuses on much needed infrastructure upgrades, improved on-call allowances and system reform, which are timely and commendable.

However, while figures and facilities matter, it is the people behind the system who determine whether healthcare truly heals. Every national budget must ask a deeper question: How will these investments sustain compassion, morale and trust within our hospitals and clinics, whether public or private?