Government to bridge healthcare disparities nationwide - Dr Zaliha

SHAH ALAM - The government is committed to providing equitable access to healthcare services for all citizens, regardless of location, says Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

"We recognise that there are significant disparities in healthcare services and accessibility across Malaysia.

"This is why we have put in place a comprehensive plan to address these disparities," she told Sinar Daily recently.

One of the key initiatives under this plan is upgrading public healthcare facilities nationwide.

The Health Ministry has embarked on an ongoing project aimed at repairing and enhancing 1200 facilities that have been identified with structural, mechanical, electrical, or safety issues.

For the year 2023, an allocation of RM111 million has been allocated to support this crucial endeavor.

Dr Zaliha also said that the government is committed to recruiting more healthcare personnel, particularly doctors.

"We have recently appointed 4,914 doctors, dentists, and pharmacists to permanent positions.

"Additionally, the appointment process for 6,441 healthcare professionals across various schemes is in its final stages," she said.

Looking ahead, the government has committed to recruiting 12,800 doctors on a permanent basis by the year 2025.

In line with the commitment to comprehensive reform, a High-Level Committee has been established to address the situation of contract doctors comprehensively.

This committee will conduct a thorough review of the entire ecosystem, including aspects such as education and practical training, licensing and registration, recruitment within the public sector, and strategies to enhance deployment and retention.

Dr Zaliha stressed that the Health White Paper highlights the necessity of investing in the training and development of healthcare professionals.

This strategic investment aims to cultivate a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering top-quality care across the nation.

"We are committed to ensuring that all Malaysians have access to quality healthcare, regardless of location.

"We will continue to work tirelessly to bridge the healthcare gap and achieve our goal of equitable healthcare access for all," she said.