We are pleased that the Health White Paper (HWP) will finally be tabled and hopefully debated tomorrow, which we hope will pave the way for the process of reforming our health care system.
It is hoped that there will be sufficient time given in Parliament to discuss and debate the Bill that seeks to reform our health care system in stages, but most importantly, we hope all MPs will support it.
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is happy to have played a part with its involvement in the Health White Paper Advisory Council. We commend the council and the Ministry of Health’s Planning Division for their hard work and dedication.
The HWP, which will set the direction for our health care system, addresses all major concerns about the future of our health care system with practical and achievable solutions. Among the main concerns addressed in the document are health care sustainability and human resources planning.
The HWP is a comprehensive and well-structured document outlining with clarity its objectives and direction. We are confident that its intention and purpose will be carried through, even if there are changes in government in the future.
The 15 years targeted to carry out the reforms is a reasonable time given. However, milestones need to be set. Most importantly, we must committedly follow through with its recommendations and ensure reforms are well-implemented within the timeframe.
We are also pleased that the HWP represents a whole-of-society effort involving input from the government, medical experts, academicians, civil society groups, as well as the public, including those involved in the health care ecosystem, public and private sector, and not forgetting patient advocacy groups, through sufficient stakeholder engagements held around the country.
Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai is the president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
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