SHAH ALAM: The government’s initiative to address cost of living issues by offering affordable and quality healthcare services has had a direct impact on targeted groups.
The government has worked towards strengthening its public healthcare delivery system over the years by building capacity, providing enhanced medical services and identifying new models and approaches.
These were made possible through the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) that ensures the public has access to world-class healthcare services and facilities at affordable fees.
Klinik 1Malaysia (K1M) was launched in 2010 to provide basic outpatient treatment, and functions as an information centre providing health notices, such as dengue fever outbreaks and medical advice.
Malaysia’s healthcare sector is recognised globally, having won awards and accolades.
For example, Malaysia has been recognised as the Health and Medical Tourism: Destination of the Year for three consecutive years, from 2015 to 2017, by the International Medical Travel Journal.
According to Ikatan Pengamal Perubatan dan Kesihatan Muslim Malaysia (I-Medik), an alliance of Muslim healthcare practitioners, healthcare services at all government hospitals, clinics and dialysis centres were established to help the people.
Its secretary-general, Professor Dr Azizi Ayob, said: “The healthcare delivery system in Malaysia is among the best in the world compared with other developing countries.
“In fact, it cannot be denied that Malaysia’s healthcare system has improved over the years.
“The facilities and access to efficient, quality and affordable healthcare services offered by the government are enjoyed by the public in urban and rural areas.”
Dr Azizi said initiatives such as Anjung Kasih (temporary shelter for patients’ families) not only focused on caring for patients, but also took into consideration their families’ needs.
Anjung Kasih provides beds, fans, bathrooms, prayer rooms, washrooms and laundry areas, as well as a cafeteria.
It was initiated in 2008 to ease the burden and reduce the daily expenditure of families caring for their loved ones at hospitals.
“The facility allows patients with family members to stay with them (patients) during the course of treatment at the hospital.
“Families are a support system for patients, especially when they are being treated at a hospital.
“Sometimes, patients travel from other states and find it difficult to find accommodation for their family members.”
Dr Azizi said the government should continue with the initiatives and programmes, and work towards improving the quality of existing services.