Govt mulls heatlhcare financing reform for long-term sustainability, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is reviewing the need to restructure the country's existing healthcare financing system to ensure it is more sustainable, inclusive, and effective in the long run as outlined in the Health White Paper, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In a Facebook post Tuesday (May 6), the Prime Minister shared that the matter was among key issues discussed during the eighth meeting of the Malaysian Social Protection Council (MySPC) 2025, which he chaired earlier Tuesday morning.
The meeting was attended by six Cabinet ministers and senior civil service officials.
Anwar said that effective governance, procurement processes, and implementation mechanisms are crucial to the reform, alongside coordinated efforts from various ministries, particularly the Economy Ministry and the Finance Ministry.
"The meeting focused on the phased roadmap and transformation initiatives for the healthcare financing system, including the proposal to establish a National Health Fund.
"Also on the agenda was the presentation of the National Ageing Action Framework 2025-2045 by the Economy Ministry, which outlined the country's strategic response to the challenges posed by an ageing population.
"I acknowledge the early measures being undertaken, particularly the need for a comprehensive, cross-ministerial governance mechanism to ensure a more integrated response," Anwar added. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
QuickCheck: Is a deputy minister promoting a health product for diabetes patients?
ONE'S health is a matter that should never be neglected. Unfortunately, some suffering from long-term diseases, desperate to be rid of what ails them, can be susceptible to unscrupulous businesses. In that regard, is there any truth that a deputy minister is promoting a health product for diabetes patients? Verdict: FALSE The Health Ministry has asked the public to be wary of a video on social media that misuses the identity of Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni to promote a diabetes care product. It said that the deputy minister had never endorsed such a product and added that his image was generated using artificial intelligence! "The public is advised to only use health products registered with the Health Ministry and not to purchase any health products from unaccredited sellers or vendors, especially through online platforms," it said in a Facebook post on Sunday (June 8). The ministry said consumers should only use health products after consultation with and guidance received from qualified medical practitioners. The ministry also urged the public to report any unregistered health products to its pharmacy services programme through the public complaint management system (SisPAA) at "The ministry strongly condemns the unethical use of AI technology," it said, adding that use of unauthorised health products was dangerous and could even lead to death! The ministry also urged the public not to be easily deceived or influenced and also warned entrepreneurs not to mislead the public.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Singer Sheqal put in induced coma, breathing unstable
KUALA LUMPUR: Singer Sheqal, known for his 1990s hit "Cinta Nusantara," was admitted to the Tuanku Jaafar Hospital in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, last Thursday. Sheqal's wife, 58-year-old Normah Mohd Yusoff, said that her husband's oxygen levels had plummeted, leading doctors to advise an induced coma. "Yes, my husband was admitted to Tuanku Jaafar Hospital on Thursday," Normah told BH Online. "I called an ambulance, and when checked, his oxygen had dropped to 62 per cent. He was taken straight to Tuanku Jaafar Hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)." She explained the severity of his condition: "His breathing is unstable, and the doctor advised putting him to sleep because there's a bacterial infection and fluid in his lungs." Sharing further details about Sheqal, whose real name is Shahrin Salehuddin, Normah reported that his condition had improved yesterday, according to the doctors. "The fluid has been removed, and the doctor now wants to monitor for other diseases, as there might be something else that needs checking. I understand the doctor performed a CT scan last night," she said. "As of this morning, my husband is still sedated. The doctors aren't sure when he'll be woken up. However, thankfully, his oxygen has increased, and he's still being monitored." Normah also revealed the extent of Sheqal's ongoing health struggles: "Sheqal has already suffered four strokes. My husband also has stage four kidney disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes." Meanwhile, Ayob Abd Majid, president of the Malaysian Music Industry Consortium (Irama), confirmed he was informed of the singer's condition by Normah last night. "I received information from Normah that Sheqal was admitted to the hospital and put in an induced coma last night," Ayob said. "While he's sedated, we can't share much; it's a sensitive topic to discuss." He added, "Sheqal has three related illnesses and unstable oxygen levels. He's been unwell for a long time. I once recommended treatment for a stroke he suffered in Muar, Johor. So, let's pray for his swift recovery, God willing." The 60-year-old singer has been wheelchair-bound after suffering four strokes since 2020, with the most recent one occurring three years ago. Sheqal also battles stage four kidney disease. Yesterday, Ayob shared an update on Sheqal's health via a Facebook post: "He is currently being treated at Tuanku Jaafar Hospital, Seremban. Hopefully, all friends and acquaintances will pray for Sheqal to recover quickly. Your prayers are deeply meaningful at times like these." Previously, Sheqal had shared with BH Online that his illnesses had prevented him from working since his 2023 stroke. "I have kidney disease, four strokes, and I couldn't speak clearly – only now am I able to," he explained. "I was affected for five years and only just started speaking again after receiving treatment in Muar, Johor. Karyawan sent me there for treatment. I used to be bedridden, unable to stand, but now it's getting better." Due to his health, Sheqal's business was impacted, and he could no longer sing. He has since channeled his artistic interests into writing and painting.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Prepare for aged nation status by strengthening 'care economy'
THE "care economy" encompasses a wide range of activities involved in caring for individuals and households, including tasks like childcare, eldercare, healthcare and domestic work. These efforts — often unpaid and carried out by women — are essential to economic and social well-being, yet they are frequently undervalued and excluded from official statistics. In Malaysia, women shoulder the majority of care responsibilities. A pre-Covid-19 pandemic study by the Khazanah Research Institute found that women performed 64 per cent more unpaid care work than men and often multitasked between chores and caregiving. Despite being a long-standing part of Malaysia society, the care economy remains largely informal, with low wages and low policy recognition. This under-recognition is concerning as Malaysia approaches a demographic shift. The country became an ageing nation in 2021, with seven per cent of its population aged 65 and older. By 2030, that figure is projected to reach 10 per cent. By 2044, Malaysia will become an "aged nation" with more than 15 per cent of its population in this age group. Increasing life expectancy — 72 for men and 77 for women — will further strain the care infrastructure, mirroring challenges seen in countries like Japan and Australia. The rise in elderly populations heightens the demand for healthcare, eldercare and welfare services. Without adequate policy reforms and strategic planning, this could result in significant economic strain, particularly on families who are often the primary caregivers. For instance, the lack of affordable childcare and eldercare services forces many women to exit the workforce prematurely, limiting their economic potential and further widening gender inequality. To address these challenges, Selangor introduced the Selangor Care Economy Policy in November 2024 — the first of its kind in Malaysia — covering elderly care, childcare, disability support and the empowerment of formal and informal caregivers. Additionally, the federal government has announced plans under the 2025 Budget to introduce targeted subsidies and tax reforms aimed at reducing fiscal deficits and reallocating resources for essential services, including care economy initiatives. Such fiscal policies are expected to strengthen the support system for caregivers and improve the affordability of care services. The care economy also plays a critical role in addressing broader societal inequalities. By providing affordable and accessible care services, more women can participate in the workforce. This, in turn, contributes to the country's economic growth and reduces the financial pressures on families. Recognising and formalising the care economy would also ensure better working conditions and fair wages for care workers. In this context, the Madani policy framework, envisioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, provides a sustainable foundation for solutions. The six pillars of Madani — sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust and compassion — offer a holistic approach to tackling issues within the care economy. The compassion pillar, in particular, promotes empathy and proactive solutions for societal needs. The private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also play a crucial role in strengthening the care economy. Social enterprise models can be adopted to encourage private sector involvement in supporting care workers. Additionally, frameworks such as environmental, social and governance can be utilised to evaluate the private sector's contributions to the care economy. NGOs can serve as vital intermediaries by offering community-based support programmes, advocacy for caregivers' rights and training opportunities. Collaborative efforts between the government, private sector and NGOs can help bridge the gaps in existing care services, ensuring they are inclusive, accessible and equitable. The care economy is a vital pillar for societal welfare and the country's economic development. Recognising and strengthening this sector is essential to ensuring Malaysia is prepared to meet the challenges of its aged nation status.
