MOH Ready To Explore Healthcare Financing Reforms For Ageing Population - Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) is prepared to explore healthcare financing reforms for the elderly, in line with Malaysia’s transition towards an ageing society.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that proposals under consideration include the introduction of a social protection scheme, or the establishment of special contribution mechanisms, to help fund healthcare needs in old age.

“This demographic shift certainly requires us to diversify and strengthen public funding sources,” he said, when winding up the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for his ministry, at the Dewan Negara, today.

As part of its long-term strategy, Dzulkefly said that the MOH is considering the establishment of a National Health Fund, to be financed through direct and indirect tax revenues, including pro-health taxes on high-risk products such as cigarettes, vaping, alcohol and sugary beverages.

“The implementation of such taxes is also expected to encourage behavioural change towards healthier lifestyles. The revenue collected will not only support treatment services, but also be channelled into strengthening public health initiatives and preventative care,” he said.

He added that an innovative and sustainable approach to healthcare financing must be developed, to ensure that the system does not rely solely on traditional funding methods.

In a related matter, Dzulkefly said the MOH is also reviewing the Human Tissue Act 1974 to strengthen the legal framework governing organ donation and transplantation.

Meanwhile, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, in winding up the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan motion for her ministry, said that the Social Welfare Department (JKM) will establish a dedicated autism service centre for children with special needs.

The centre, she said, will provide comprehensive services, including early detection and diagnosis, early intervention programmes and family support, and serve as a one-stop hub for autism-related services.

Nancy also noted that, as of June last year, a total of 579 Community-Based Rehabilitation (PDK) centres had been registered nationwide, benefiting more than 20,000 persons with disabilities (PwDs).

In the meantime, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, when winding up the debate for his ministry, informed the Senate that a total of RM6.32 billion in financing had been channelled to 237,581 entrepreneurs and cooperatives, nationwide, between January and July last year.

He said the financing was disbursed through the ministry’s agencies, including TEKUN Nasional, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, Bank Rakyat, SME Bank, SME Corp, Pernas and the Malaysia Cooperative Commission.

“This achievement reflects the positive performance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which recorded growth of 5.8 percent last year, and contributed RM652.4 billion to the national economy. MSME exports also surged by 31.3 per cent, accounting for 14.3 per cent of the country’s total exports.

He added that, in terms of employment, MSMEs created jobs for 8.1 million people - an increase of 3.1 per cent, or nearly 250,000 workers - raising their contribution to national employment to 48.7 per cent.

-- BERNAMA