THE HEALTH | OCTOBER , 2023

BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

Among the main strategies were to strengthen health protection financing , expand the MADANI medical scheme , introduce a leasing mechanism for procuring health equipment , and establish a national institute of mental health .

The Plan stated that the people ’ s well-being has improved due to advancement in healthcare and medical innovation . However , the rapid increase in non-communicable diseases ( NCDs ), such as diabetes , heart disease and cancer , poses a challenge to the healthcare system , particularly on NCD prevention and management among older people .

In addition , there are also new challenges in meeting the specific needs of older people , such as dementia , palliative care , frailty and mental health . Without healthcare reforms , an increasing older population will pose a significant pressure on the healthcare system .

IMPACT ON LONG-TERM CARE

A rising share of older people and smaller family size will increase the need to expand the formal aged long-term care ( LTC ) system . As the number of young workers and women participating in the labour force increase , providing informal care for the elderly becomes a challenge , which may result in the increase of older persons living alone or being abandoned .

In addition , limited public financing , inadequate human resources as well as unclear standards for attracting , retaining and icentivising professionals and care workers create a stumbling block to a sustainable LTC system .

The need to provide adequate social protection for the rakyat continues to be challenging as the population ages and life expectancy increases . These include the challenges of reducing the inclusion and exclusion errors in social assistance disbursement and expanding the coverage of contributory for retirement income , especially for women and informal workers , including unpaid carers . Insufficient retirement savings and inefficient financial management will affect income security , which may increase the probability of older people falling into poverty .

In addressing the risks and challenges of population ageing , a national ageing blueprint will be developed to mitigate risks and capitalise on potential opportunities . The blueprint will outline policies , strategies and action plans for a healthy , productive and inclusive aged nation .

REJUVENATING THE HEALTHCARE SERVICE

• Improving the healthcare system Public health programmes will be improved to ensure the readiness of the country in managing crises and emerging healthcare threats . In this regard ,

healthcare services will be better equipped with upgraded facilities , integrated information systems and advanced medical equipment .

Efforts will also be pursued to strengthen cardiology services , including provision of invasive cardiac laboratories in public hospitals . Meanwhile , measures will be undertaken to improve dental services in line with the Universal Health Coverage for Oral Health WHO ( WHA74.5 ), through the expansion of the services to school teachers , staff and their families .

In addition , 250 schools will be assisted to fulfil the Program Pemasyarakatan Perkhidmatan Klinik Pergigian Sekolah criteria . A national mental health institute will be established as part of the initiatives under the healthcare Big Bold to address mental health issues nationwide .

• Digitalising healthcare services The national food safety system phase 2.0 will be developed to enhance the existing information systems through data integration . This will facilitate better monitoring and auditing of food safety .