Malaysia - Prime minister to go for quality healthcare

Citation

(2011), "Malaysia - Prime minister to go for quality healthcare", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 24 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijhcqa.2011.06224bab.006

Malaysia - Prime minister to go for quality healthcare

Article Type: News and views From: International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Volume 24, Issue 2

Keywords: Quality healthcare systems, Non-communicable disease management, Healthcare delivery systems

“Nations must tackle the challenges posed by non-communicable diseases (NCD) by providing quality care that is co-ordinated and cost effective”, the Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has said.

The Prime Minister said cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases as well as cancer and diabetes caused an estimated 35 million deaths each year or 60 per cent of all deaths globally, with 80 per cent occurring in low and middle-income countries.

He said it was necessary to “re-engineer” the healthcare delivery system to provide quality care.

“In order to do this, a formidable health workforce is needed. Individuals also need to play their part by embracing a healthy lifestyle and be responsible for their own health,” he said when addressing the 61st session of the World Health Organisation Regional Committee for the Western Pacific.

Najib said the recent adoption of the United Nations General Assembly resolution on the prevention and control of NCDs was a manifestation of the global community’s political commitment to tackle the issue.

The Prime Minister also said this year’s WHO regional committee meeting was significant as it provided an opportunity for experts to examine the response and effects of the A (H1N1) global pandemic which had been a “baptism of fire” for affected nations.

Najib also said Malaysia wanted to transform its healthcare system to be more efficient and effective, adding a blueprint was being worked out to develop One Care for One Malaysia, a health system that would meet the needs of the population, provide quality healthcare and ensure universal coverage.

The Prime Minister said while Malaysia had been cited by international bodies as having a good model for health care, particularly in providing services to the rural population, it was necessary to change the structure to enable the government to serve the people better.

Meanwhile, Najib said the Cabinet will only decide whether to go ahead with the Genetically Modified Mosquito Plan after assessing the outcome and effectiveness of the pilot project.

“The level of public consciousness on cleanliness is not that high, so we have to think of innovative ways to address the dengue problem,” he said.

For more information: www.thestar.com.my