GEORGE TOWN: The public healthcare reform is already in progress, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said today.
He said this in response to Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM) president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh, who said that reforming it was more critical than pursuing changes within the private healthcare sector.
Dr Kuljit told the "New Straits Times'" podcast, Beyond the Headlines, that reforms in the private healthcare sector primarily benefited the Middle 40 and Top 20 income groups by capping, reducing and controlling private healthcare, leaving the Bottom 40 (B40) group — people in the lowest income category — largely unserved.
He questioned the current state of healthcare access for B40 individuals, who predominantly relied on public hospitals, and called for their needs to be addressed promptly as they await treatment.
Dr Dzulkefly said he supported the need for the public health facilities to improve.
"I am already on that (reform agenda on public healthcare)."
He said that as several members of parliament had raised this issue, he was addressing it.
"The prime minister has mentioned it, as well as the second finance minister and Bank Negara Malaysia, about things related to (health) insurance and so on.
"We take the stance that we all must be in it together to reform our healthcare system and its delivery."
He said this after the launch of the 1st Malaysia Community First Responder conference here today.
Dr Dzulkefly said he was in contact with APHM and it had provided him with good responses.
He said that when he mentioned value-based healthcare practices and delivery, IHH Healthcare Bhd and APHM were the first to respond.
"For me, there is no problem with us balancing each other to get the best."
He said that people who sought treatment at public healthcare facilities were typically from the B40 group and public servants.
He added that people with health insurance also deserved protection and value for money, as well as receiving the best care.
Asked on a letter written by a medical officer (MO) from Sri Manjung Hospital, on the lack of MOs, Dr Dzulkefly said he was awaiting the report.
"I'm waiting for my deputy director-general (medical) and the parties involved to give me the report.
"For now, let us wait until I get a better picture of the situation."