KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is committed to strengthening Malaysia’s healthcare service delivery and enhancing digitalisation under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), backed by a RM40 billion allocation.
With 1.6 per cent increase from the previous plan, its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry fully supports the Madani government’s vision of building a more sustainable and resilient national healthcare system, anchored by five pillars under the health reform strategy.
He thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah and the Economy Ministry for their leadership in shaping the 13MP.
“Among the key reforms is the strengthening of health financing and governance, including the expansion of the Rakan KKM initiative as an additional option for paid elective treatment in public health facilities.
“The ministry will also introduce a basic private health insurance/takaful product by December, conduct a study towards the establishment of a national health fund, optimisation of health tax mechanisms and expansion of high-value outsourcing initiatives,” he said in a press conference here today after launching Op Selamat Paru-Paru.
The second pillar, he said, focuses on enhancing health promotion and security by cultivating a health-literate society and encouraging behavioural change for healthier living.
He said the ministry would also ramp up preparedness for health emergencies and disease control, including the formation of a dedicated health disaster task force, increased focus on rare diseases and preparations for an ageing population.
On empowering the healthcare service delivery ecosystem, Dzulkefly said the ministry would develop a national framework for workforce professional development and boost talent capacity.
This includes integrating cluster hospitals with primary healthcare services and investing in high-impact medical research and innovation.
“We will also strengthen the “one individual, one record” as the foundation of a digital health system and generate high-impact health analytics with artificial intelligence support.
“The ministry will also enhance the national regulatory system for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and increase the production capacity of local manufacturers, among other measures,” he said.
The 13MP is a key policy document that will guide Malaysia’s policies over the next five years, involving a budget of RM611 billion.
The 13MP, covering 2026 to 2030, sets out progressive and realistic objectives to spur economic growth, raise household incomes and ensure inclusive development across all sectors.
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