[ad_1]
KUALA LUMPURThe article published on the website of the scientific journal Nature implying that Malaysia lacks state health care is “incorrect and a gross misrepresentation of the national health system,” said Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah (pix).
He was responding to the article titled ‘The scientist-gardener harnessing the power of tobacco to heal’ which quoted London-based molecular immobilist Audrey Teh, who claimed to be Malaysian, saying the country had no state health care and ‘ families are bankrupt due to medical bills ”.
According to Dr Noor Hisham, Malaysia achieved effective universal health coverage (UHC) in the 1990s through tax-funded public provision of health services.
He said the Malaysian government provided highly subsidized medical care for all residents through its extensive network of public hospitals and clinics.
A wide range of services are covered, including health promotion, disease prevention, curative and rehabilitative care, he added.
“All Malaysian residents can access these services with minimal fees, while services for disadvantaged populations, such as the poor, the disabled and the elderly, are provided free of charge.
“This creates a strong safety net that ensures that no one is denied access to necessary medical care, regardless of their ability to pay,” he said in a statement yesterday.
According to Dr. Noor Hisham, the World Health Organization (WHO) also continues to recognize that Malaysia provides quality health care services based on its high-performance health care system and well-trained workforce.
“With highly subsidized public health services, the government collects only minimal user fees. For example, in 2018, user fees accounted for just 1.5 percent of the Ministry of Health’s operating budget, further illustrating the government’s commitment to alleviating the financial burden of access to healthcare.
“In many respects, Malaysia’s provision of public health care, which is virtually free to all at the point of service, is similar to the UK’s National Health Service,” he said.Called
[ad_2]
