Ministry to suggest setting up disease control centre

 

The Health Ministry will propose the setup of a National Disease Control Centre (NDCC), according to its Health White Paper to be tabled in the Parliament.

It said the Covid-19 pandemic has shown the importance of preparedness against outbreaks, including being ready with the necessary medical equipment, diagnostic tools and ample stock of relevant medicines.

"To ensure our level of readiness and quick response in the event of a public health crisis, an NDCC will be established as a basis for our response towards outbreaks and coordination of human resources during such crises.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of being ready with the necessary equipment, diagnostic tools and medicines.

"Thus, a new strategy will be developed to address this issue, including assisting in local production," it said, without any further details.

The white paper was initially scheduled to be tabled by Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa at the Dewan Rakyat today.

However, it had to be postponed as debates on a Suhakam report took longer than expected before the report was passed this evening.

Incentives for rural deployments

Meanwhile, as part of its plans, the ministry, through the white paper will also propose to improve incentives for healthcare workers who are deployed to rural areas.

"Career paths for rural deployment will also be developed. This includes better incentives and facilities, in order to encourage healthcare workers to work in rural areas."

According to the white paper, another set of incentives that will be introduced is for individuals who maintain a healthy lifestyle.

This is aimed at encouraging people to do more physical activities, practice healthy food consumption, undergo health screening and monitor their personal health status.

"This initiative is supported by behavioural science evidence and the launching of our Electronic Health Records.

"This behavioural incentive will include targeted subsidies to increase participation among low-income earners and those who are at high risk.

"Individual healthy lifestyles will also be encouraged through employers and companies. Food operators and grocers will be given incentives to change their business impact to individual eating habits, from improving the ingredients in their cooking to providing healthier choices," the paper said.

The ministry also plans to develop a form of incentives for employers, companies, insurance operators, and agencies that conduct programmes that encourage healthy lifestyles among their employees. - Mkini