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BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
AS MALAYSIANS look to 2024 , hoping for a healthier year , we saw the return of former Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad in December to pave the way . Dr Dzulkefly has been brought back to the Health Ministry to finish what he started during his stint in the 2018 Pakatan Harapan government . He wants to fulfil his reform agenda , ambitions , projects and programmes . That ’ s good news for Malaysians as they struggle with rising healthcare costs , a Covid-19 resurgence , rising burden of noncommunicable diseases and the emergence and re-emergence of communicable diseases and overcrowding at public
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Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan |
healthcare facilities .
Health Director-General Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan tells the Health the wellbeing of our society remains this Government ’ s utmost concern and priority . “ Malaysia recognises the importance of preventive healthcare and lifestyle modification .
“ Government often implements various measures to encourage healthier living and reduce the burden of preventable diseases ,” he said .
Malaysian Medical Association ( MMA ) President Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said : “ The focus for 2024 should include steps to improve the welfare of public healthcare workers , recognise the private healthcare sector ’ s value , and address the rising cases of Non-Communicable Diseases ( NCDs ). “ Too many issues in the healthcare
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system need to be addressed . Much time has been invested , and many committees formed over the years to tackle the issues , but there has yet to be much progress .
“ We are hoping to see the Ministry of Health ( MoH ) working towards comprehensive healthcare reforms that are needed in line with the aspirations outlined in the Health White Paper ( HWP ). The plan should include milestones and deliverables to ensure we are on track and the reforms are carried out .”
THE HEALTH WHITE PAPER
“ The Covid-19 pandemic has without doubt shown the vital contribution of health to all aspects of the nation ’ s fabric , from the economy and social wellbeing to national security , and the imperative for a highperforming health system ,” said Radzi .
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