Accessible HIV solutions
04 LOCAL NEWS The HEALTH | July-August. 2025
Collaborative health reform
Accessible HIV solutions
THE Ministry of Finance( MOF) and the Ministry of Health( MOH) have officially launched the Joint Ministerial Committee on Private Healthcare Costs( JMCPHC) to tackle the escalating issues of private healthcare expenses and medical inflation.
This initiative builds upon ongoing discussions with various stakeholders.
The inaugural meeting of the committee took place on June 24, aiming to adopt a comprehensive national strategy to collaboratively develop and implement measures that align with value-based healthcare principles.
Co-chaired by Finance Minister II Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, the JMCPHC includes representatives from MOF, MOH, and Bank Negara Malaysia( BNM).
Additionally, a Consultative Council comprising key stakeholders from the private healthcare sector, such as private hospitals, healthcare professionals, insurance providers, Takaful operators, consumer advocacy groups, and academic institutions, will provide technical support and insights.
Amir Hamzah emphasised the urgency of addressing rising healthcare costs, stating: " This joint committee reflects our commitment to work with all stakeholders to shape a private healthcare system that is sustainable, transparent, and delivers real value.
" At its core, this is about protecting the well-being of Malaysians and strengthening the resilience of our nation."
A regional initiative aimed at improving cervical cancer care has been launched in Malaysia.
Involving six Southeast Asian nations, Project ACTIVE 2.0 seeks to enhance cervical cancer treatment and aid patient recovery across the region.
This three-year programme will focus on strengthening healthcare systems through clinical training, infrastructure improvements, and digital innovations, with the goal of enhancing access to high-quality, targeted cervical cancer care for patients and their families.
Cervical cancer poses a considerable health challenge in Southeast Asia, with over 69,000 new cases and 38,000 fatalities recorded in 2022, according to the World Health Organisation( WHO).
Although modern radiation therapies have significantly improved outcomes, gaps in access to advanced
The JMCPHC builds on previous initiatives, including BNM ' s co-pay requirements and interim measures to alleviate the impact of medical premium adjustments for policyholders from 2024 to 2026.
It also incorporates the RESET framework, which outlines five strategic thrusts to combat medical inflation: revamping Medical and Health Insurance / Takaful( MHIT), enhancing price transparency, strengthening the Digital Health ecosystem, expanding cost-effective options, and transforming provider payments.
This framework has received broad endorsement from MOF, MOH, BNM, and key industry players.
Moving forward, the committee will serve as the primary platform for guiding and monitoring the implementation of the RESET initiatives.
Preliminary work has already begun, particularly on developing a base MHIT product that balances affordability and sustainability, as well as improving pricing transparency.
For existing medical insurance policyholders, these measures aim
Transforming cancer care
UNITED EFFORTS: Collaborative efforts to strengthen cervical cancer care in Malaysia
treatments and trained specialists remain. ACTIVE 2.0 aims to bridge these gaps by providing expanded medical training, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering patientfocused advancements in cancer care.
ACTIVE 2.0 Project Director Paul Lee stated: " ACTIVE 2.0 represents a crucial advancement in improving access to sophisticated cancer care
VALUE FOCUS: Commitment to value-based care at the inaugural JMCPHC meeting
to enhance price transparency while providing more affordable healthcare options.
The committee is committed to pursuing initiatives that expand access to affordable private healthcare, including bolstering the role of primary healthcare and establishing a continuum of healthcare providers, building on previous measures such as the Rakan KKM initiative.
Dr Dzulkefly stated that the RESET framework encompasses ongoing and planned efforts by the MOH to strengthen Malaysia ' s healthcare system for everyone.
He added: " This framework signifies our ' whole-of-nation ' commitment to implementing solutions like value-based care, which prioritises health outcomes through the phased implementation of Diagnostic-Related Groups( DRG) and the expansion of cost-effective healthcare options for the rakyat.
" Such initiatives will deliver tangible benefits for all Malaysians, alleviating overcrowding in public hospitals and clinics."
throughout Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.
" Through this initiative, Malaysia will increase the number of clinicians skilled in advanced cervical cancer treatment, enhance local hospital capabilities, and better support patients throughout their recovery journey. Our goal is to bring hope to all those affected by cervical cancer."
ACTIVE 2.0 will partner with leading oncology treatment centres in both the Peninsula and East Malaysia to establish a network of four Centres of Excellence( CoE) for cervical cancer treatment.
These centres will receive advanced radiotherapy training equipment and infrastructure to support the longterm recovery of their patients.
Hospital Kuala Lumpur ' s Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology Head Dr. Ros Suzanna Ahmad Bustamam said: " Cervical cancer continues to be a major health concern in Malaysia, especially for women in underserved communities."
ACCESSIBLE TESTING: The SURE CHECK ® HIV Self-Test makes screening accessible and userfriendly
RESZON Diagnostics International Sdn Bhd( Reszon), with its manufacturing partner Chembio Diagnostics, Inc( Chembio), recently announced its SURE CHECK ® HIV Self-Test has been granted Breakthrough Device status by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration( FDA).
Device status by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration( FDA).
This recognition represents a crucial advancement in the accessibility, timeliness, and ease of HIV screening.
The SURE CHECK ® HIV Self-Test is designed for lay users and provides a simple, rapid, fingerstick-based method for individuals to test for HIV in the comfort of their own homes.
The FDA Breakthrough Device Program is designated for medical devices or device-led combination products that significantly enhance the diagnosis or treatment of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating conditions.
With this designation, Chembio is set to receive prioritised support from the FDA and an expedited review process, facilitating faster approval and broader availability of the self-test in the U. S. and potentially worldwide.
As the proud distributor of the SURE CHECK ® HIV Self-Test, Reszon echoes Chembio ' s dedication to enhancing early detection and empowering communities through self-testing. This breakthrough recognition underscores the test ' s potential impact on global HIV response strategies, particularly for underserved populations.
Chembio President Javan Esfandiari said: " The SURE CHECK ® HIV self-test employs our immunochromatographic platform, delivering high clinical sensitivity and specificity in a straightforward, user-friendly format tailored for lay users.
" This FDA recognition affirms the diagnostic value of our technology and its ability to broaden access to HIV testing. The test has been developed with the same performance standards as those intended for professionals, while ensuring simplicity for home use."- The HEALTH