RM40b for healthcare reform under 13MP
He said the healthcare reform agenda is a vital government initiative to ensure sustainable health financing while expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare services for...
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Daily Express
4 hours ago
- Daily Express
RM40 biliion allocation to implement healthcare reforms
Published on: Friday, August 01, 2025 Published on: Fri, Aug 01, 2025 Text Size: Queen Elizabeth Hospital 2. Kuala Lumpur: The Federal Government has allocated RM40 billion under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026 to 2030 to implement wide-ranging reforms in the healthcare sector, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced Thursday. He said the healthcare reform agenda is a vital government initiative to ensure sustainable health financing while expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare services for all Malaysians, which is also aimed at increasing service options for patients without compromising on cost or quality. To strengthen medical supply security, Anwar said domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing would be encouraged, while the use of generic medicines in both the public and private sectors would be significantly increased. 'Pro-health taxes will be expanded from sugar to products such as tobacco, vape and alcohol, not just for revenue but to encourage behavioural change and curb the increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which is increasingly worrying,' he said. Another key objective of the reform, Anwar said, is to reduce the out-of-pocket healthcare expenses borne by citizens. Under the 13MP, more hospitals and clinics - including those in dilapidated condition - will be built or upgraded to improve healthcare delivery nationwide. Major projects slated for development include Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar 2 in Seremban, Hospital Sultanah Aminah 2 in Johor Bahru, the Northern Region Cancer Centre in Sungai Petani, the Sabah Heart Centre at Hospital Queen Elizabeth II in Kota Kinabalu, and the Sarawak Cancer Centre. To address long-standing workforce challenges, the government will also introduce a national framework for health sector talent development. 'This includes initiatives covering pre-service training, licensing, recruitment, placement, and career development, all aimed at retaining and nurturing skilled professionals in the healthcare system,' Anwar said. Anwar also announced that health record management will be strengthened as part of the core strategy for digitising Malaysia's healthcare infrastructure, which will enhance interoperability between healthcare facilities and enable seamless patient data access. The digitisation push will also lay the groundwork for high-impact health analytics powered by artificial intelligence (AI), further enhancing the quality and responsiveness of healthcare services in Malaysia, he added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Malay Mail
4 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Dzulkefly: 13MP health budget hike to RM40b aims to tackle ageing, disease burden
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — The RM40 billion allocated to the health sector under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) has been described as clear proof of the government's commitment to realise the goal of universal health coverage, thus ensuring no one is marginalised from accessing quality health services. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the latest allocation, compared to about RM35 billion previously, is a strong signal that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is clearly committed to driving comprehensive and inclusive reforms in the country's health system. 'So, it clearly shows the Prime Minister's commitment towards the sensitivity and importance of ensuring that the health sector continues to be upheld. 'I want this responsibility and trust to be borne by all Ministry of Health (MOH) staff to drive and fulfil the need to implement this health reform and improve the health delivery system so that we can achieve universal health,' he said. He told reporters this after the 7th Series of the Malaysia Madani Scholars' Forum at a leading hotel here tonight, which was also attended by Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof chaired the forum, titled 'Towards A Sustainable Healthcare System For All'. Dzulkefly also described the increased allocation as significant in addressing the various challenges currently faced by the health sector, including an ageing population, increased infectious and non-infectious diseases and medical inflation. 'All these clearly indicate that the Prime Minister (PMX) really wants to lead efforts to resolve various problems we are facing, including in terms of health facilities. 'Therefore, I am extremely grateful for such a huge allocation, which gives us an additional RM4 billion or so every year,' he said. — Bernama
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Address manpower shortage in health sector, govt urged
PETALING JAYA: The RM40bil allocation under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) comes as a relief to the healthcare sector. But stakeholders say a solution to manpower issues plaguing the public healthcare sector must be resolved. They lauded the expansion of pro-health taxes to include tobacco, vape and alcohol, as this would reduce the use of such substances while at the same time increase the government's coffers. Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira welcomed the RM40bil allocation for the health sector under the 13MP and the government's commitment to strengthen the public health system. However, he said addressing the critical shortage of healthcare workers must be prioritised, as this continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing public healthcare facilities. 'We welcome the 13MP initiatives and plans for a national framework for development in the health sector to address human resource needs. 'We hope that these efforts will encompass all healthcare professions in the healthcare ecosystem,' he said. 'We note the government's plans to upgrade over 1,700 dilapidated public health clinics and build more healthcare facilities across the country. 'These are timely and necessary steps, but there must be clear timelines for the implementation of each initiative to ensure accountability. 'Planning of human resources must also follow for any new facilities being planned. 'MMA strongly supports the move to strengthen digitalisation, including improvements in health record management and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance healthcare delivery. 'These efforts are crucial to improving continuity of care and enabling data-driven health planning,' he added. Dr Kalwinder said the expansion of pro-health taxes to include tobacco, vape and alcohol is a step in the right direction in curbing the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). 'However, MMA maintains its firm position that a total ban on vaping and vaping products is necessary to protect public health, especially the health of our youth,' he said. Former Health Ministry director Datuk Zainal Ariffin Omar said the RM40bil allocation for health and the upgrade works for 1,776 dilapidated clinics will improve healthcare accessibility, especially in rural and underserved areas, therefore reducing overcrowding in major hospitals. However, he said the government must ensure the funds are used efficiently, avoid delays and maintain quality amid expansion. 'The health proposals under 13MP are ambitious and yet necessary. It addresses infrastructure gaps, preventive care, and digital transformation. However, execution efficiency, equitable access, tech adoption and adequate staff will determine its success. 'The pro-health taxes align with global best practices but require complementary policies to avoid burdening vulnerable groups,' he said. The higher taxes, he said, discourage unhealthy consumption and generate revenue for the government's coffers, adding that the success depends on strict enforcement and public awareness campaigns. He said this must also be coupled with subsidies for healthy alternatives. Dr Zainal said while the use of AI can improve diagnostics, predict outbreaks and personalise treatment, it comes with some barriers, which include high costs, the need for trained personnel, and ethical concerns. He said the RM40bil allocation over the period of five years is reasonable for the underfunded healthcare sector, considering that this is on top of the allocation under the annual budget. Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, dean of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's School of Liberal Sciences Public Health Medicine Specialists, said while the initiatives are good, pertinent issues such as low wages for doctors were not addressed. This, she said, is the cause of doctors leaving the service. 'Building and improving facilities is good, but what if we do not have the manpower for them?' she said. 'I have some reservations on tobacco and vape taxes. While increasing taxes will lead to reduced demand, data has shown that the black market makes up for almost 50% to 60%. This means that most of these products are not taxed. 'Hence, illicit tobacco will be sold cheaper to the consumers. So, increasing the tax on legal products will push smokers to continue buying black market products instead,' she said. Consumers Association of Penang education officer N.V. Subbarow said the pro-health taxes should be branded as 'cancer tax'.
