KUALA LUMPUR: The anticipated Health White Paper which aimed to reform the Malaysian healthcare system has been released on the Parliament website, today.
The policy paper, which depicted the overall challenges and the gap towards Malaysia's healthcare system, also detailed the nation's health reformation agenda for the next 15 years.
Among issues addressed in the policy paper includes the increase in life expectancy at birth which will lead to an ageing nation; the increase of non-communicable and chronic diseases; the emergence of new and old infectious diseases; the impact of mental health in Malaysia; climate change and biodiversity decline as well as imbalance fee in hospitals and clinics nationwide.
The paper also stated that an engagement with related stakeholders, including various ministries and agencies, private sectors as well as non-governmental organisations was carried out to collect data on issues surrounding healthcare systems in the country.
"Efforts proposed in the White Paper cover systemic and structural changes.
"Further details on the planning and implementation of the White Paper will be presented in the next stage after getting Parliament approval," the paper read.
Previously, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the White Paper will ensure a sustainable healthcare fund and the development of the national health insurance scheme.
Dr Zaliha said the policy paper, once approved, would also focus on carrying out basic work required in the development of the insurance scheme, including the calculation of the appropriate contribution rate if a mandate is given.
The White Paper, meanwhile, is expected to be tabled in the August House for the first reading, tomorrow.
