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PUTRAJAYA: With Covid-19 hitting the Malaysian economy hard, the 2021 Budget is expected to focus on the country’s recovery measures.
But as the Ministry of Health (MINSA) pointed out, its battle on the ground against the pandemic is equally important for economic rejuvenation.
“We hope that the ministry will be given more allocation to fight the war against Covid-19. We have not received enough funds for years.
“Public financing for health is only 2.2% of the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
“That is among the lowest,” Health Director General Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah told The Star.
During the 2020 Budget, the ministry was allocated RM30.6bil, which was an increase from RM28.7bil from the previous year.
Dr. Noor Hisham said that 4% of the country’s GDP would be an ideal amount for the government’s allocation of the ministry.
Former health minister Datuk Seri, Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, agreed, saying that health is a macro-critical economic, social and political imperative.
He said more should be allocated to employ doctors, nurses and pharmacists, with the need to correct the huge disparities in medical personnel between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak.
“This deficit and uneven distribution need to be corrected,” he said, adding that while there is one doctor for every 500 Malaysians, the ratio in Sabah is one doctor for 900.
Dzulkefly said he had applied to the Department of Public Services for an additional 10,675 medical positions last year, but was unsure of the outcome of this.
He also highlighted the importance of allocating a budget for the Covid-19 vaccine, which is expected to be available next year.
Another former health minister, Datuk, Dr. S. Subramaniam, said the next budget should allow the ministry to manage the pandemic effectively.
Better allowances should be provided for the front-line, the strengthening of medical services and the allowance for emergency purchases, he said.
He also called for a transparent and efficient procurement process.
“Greater flexibility should be provided for the creation of contract positions for the MS. Likewise, the recognition of all government leaders with sufficient remuneration and appreciation must be announced, ”he said.
The president of the Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association, Datuk Dr. Zainal Ariffin Omar, hoped there would be incentives for health care leaders.
There should be a special subsidy for PPE, as well as childcare incentives for the front-line, even in non-critical times, he said.
Dr. Zainal hoped there was
A special disease prevention and control team was formed to focus on global health problems and provide input to the government on protecting public health and welfare.
The Chairman of the Malaysian Coalition Physicians Association Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah said emphasis should be placed on efficient use of resources, disease prevention and the recovery phase from the pandemic.
“The situation is fluid, so we need a budget for effective vaccines and treatments for the coronavirus.
“Due to the pandemic, the government may have to increase its allocation to the public health system, advocating for a 20% increase in both operating expenses and staffing levels over the next two years for screening and the treatment of Covid-19 ”, he added.
The president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Professor Datuk Dr. M. Subramaniam, said that the pandemic and its aftermath are expected to continue for another year or two.
During this time, there will be certain ministries with fewer activities or fewer needs.
“We propose that some of the budgets of these ministries be reused to meet health care needs,” he said.
He said there was a shortage of positions for young doctors, nurses and paramedical personnel.
“Many new and existing facilities and departments cannot operate due to a lack of human capital.
“MMA expects the government to also provide an extended 10-year contract for medical officers to allow specialization in the master’s program.
“Once you qualify as a specialist, you can be offered a permanent position at U054.
“In the long term, investing in local specialists would save the government on expenses, since there will be no need to hire personnel from abroad,” he said.
Caring Pharmacy Chairman Datin Seri Sunita Rajakumar said there were many consumer-friendly initiatives the government could consider implementing in the 2021 Budget.
He said insurance companies and outside administrators, for example, should allow policyholders to fill their drugs in pharmacies, not just hospitals and clinics.
Another suggestion, he said, was the separation of dispensing fees and the printing of recommended retail prices on drugs.
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