Dewan Rakyat passes health white paper

 

Health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said raising hospital or clinic fees was not something that would be decided arbitrarily and would require detailed and transparent analysis.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat has passed the health white paper by a voice vote, following a lengthy debate involving 28 MPs.

The document, tabled by health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa earlier today, details the challenges faced by the healthcare sector, as well as the policy, strategy and direction for healthcare system reforms to be implemented over the next 15 years.

In her winding-up speech, Zaliha addressed concerns raised by MPs during the debate, including plans to address the long-standing contract doctor dispute, as well as suggestions to raise fees for public healthcare.

Zaliha said the ministry was in the final stages of preparing a comprehensive action plan for contract doctors, which she hoped to present to a high-level committee next month.

Meanwhile, she said raising hospital or clinic fees was not something that would be decided arbitrarily. Instead, it would require detailed and transparent analysis, as well as engagements with the public.

Earlier, former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh) cautioned the government against raising the fees because it would burden the people. - FMT