The Ministry of Health (MoH) has set a goal to fully modernize all its facilities by 2030 to prioritize the delivery of high-quality healthcare services to patients, according to Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa.
During a press conference at the Hospital Management Asia (HMA) 2023 event in Southeast Asia, Dr. Zaliha emphasized the mission of digitizing healthcare shortly, ideally achieving this by 2030. She stressed the importance of digitizing hospital systems and various aspects of hospital management.
The digitization of healthcare in Malaysia has been a recurring topic of discussion since 2020, aimed at improving healthcare accessibility for all citizens. In May, Dr. Zaliha announced the development of a health information exchange platform to consolidate patient data nationwide into a single digital platform. This platform will streamline access to patients’ health records and enable more comprehensive treatment.
Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh, President of the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia, highlighted the significance of embracing change and innovation in healthcare. He expressed enthusiasm about the HMA conference as an opportunity to learn about healthcare facilities in Asia and improve healthcare delivery in the region.
Dr. Kuljit emphasized that recognizing the intersection of technological advancements, patient care, and administrative progress empowers the healthcare industry to create a more efficient system, benefiting both providers and recipients of care.
Stacey A. Rizza, a US medical expert, discussed Mayo Clinic’s international initiatives, including healthcare consulting, partnerships, and educational efforts in Southeast Asia and other global markets. Mayo Clinic is committed to clinical practice, education, and research, aiming to provide comprehensive care to individuals needing healing.
Regarding general practitioner (GP) consultation fees, Dr. Zaliha mentioned the Skim Perubatan Madani (SPM), designed for the bottom 40% of income group (B40) patients seeking treatment, particularly at nearby clinics. She explained that there is a cap on the fees paid to GPs, but these prices are under review and may increase based on examinations and procedures, possibly reaching a cap of 170 for each patient’s visit. SPM is a pilot initiative by the Malaysian government and MoH to cater to the health needs of the B40 group in 21 districts, focusing on Acute Primary Care Services.