Release 1Care details now, DAP tells Liow

Responding to Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai's claim that certain quarters are manipulating false details to confuse the public on 1Care, the DAP today challenged him to disclose fully the proposed healthcare plan.

"In actual fact, it is very easy to determine if the relevant statistics and facts floating around are true - the Ministry should just release all the relevant reports and clarify the confusion," said its Assistant National Publicity Secretary Teo Nie Ching (left) in a statement.

"Although a national healthcare plan was first mentioned in the 4th Malaysia Plan (1981 - 1985) and rebranded in 2009 as ‘1Care', the fact is that, until today, the Ministry of Health has refused to disclose any details of the plan," she added.

Calling Liow's criticism of those expressing concern with the proposed plan "unwarranted and misplaced", Teo blames the ministry's lack of transparency in handling the matter as the reason for any misunderstanding, if any.

Considering that healthcare is an important issue affecting the entire population of Malaysia, she also called on Liow to brief Parliament on 1Care, when it resumes on March 12.

"I strongly urge Liow to organise a briefing session on 1Care in Parliament for all MPs," the Serdang parliamentarian said.

However, Teo contended that the ministry has not exhibited any willingness to disclose such details, mentioning the healthcare reform forum last Sunday, when no one from the ministry showed up despite being invited.

She argued, that the Ministry's refusal to engage in dialogue and consultation and unwillingness to explore options, is the cause behind the lack of public confidence in 1Care and increase in their anxiety and fear.

Teo defended the origin of the details used to question 1Care, like the alleged 10% salary deduction figure as taken directly from the 1Care concept paper drafted by the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Association, Malaysia.

"This figure was not something plucked from thin air and concocted by critics. FPMPAM comprises doctors and professionals, not ordinary Joes. Is liow suggesting that they are not professional and making things up?" she asked.

Earlier in the week, Liow had accused 1Care detractors of manipulating false facts to confuse the rakyat on 1Care.

The proposed healthcare plan gained national notoriety after members of the medical profession came forward to oppose the proposap which they fear may result in substandard care for Malaysians, while costing the rakyat more money.