SETTING THE STAGE: The Minister of Health of Malaysia delivers his opening address at the EU-ASEAN Health Summit 2025. |
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directly back into the public healthcare system.
• Multi-source financing: Blending multiple financial streams, including public funds, private investment, health insurance innovations, and outsourcing partnerships to diversify financial risk.
• Public-Private Partnerships( PPPs): Enabling shared investment and delivery of health infrastructure and services.
• Health Insurance Innovation: Collaborating with Bank Negara Malaysia( BNM) to co-develop insurance products for underserved middleincome groups.
" U l t i m a t e l y, r e f o r m i n g healthcare financing is not about replacing public responsibility. It ' s about rebalancing the system so that it can serve our people more effectively and sustainably in the years to come."
The Singapore Minister of Health also pointed to similar fiscal pressures. Singapore ' s government
Jens Ruebbert
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healthcare spending is projected to increase from US $ 6 billion in 2015 to US $ 17.8 billion by 2025, potentially exceeding US $ 23 billion by 2030.
While innovation in financing is critical, Ong emphasised the importance of efficiency in healthcare delivery. He detailed several approaches for optimising healthcare value:
• Value-Based Care: Shifting from traditional payment structures to models that incentivise health outcomes systems, such as diagnosis-related group( DRG) funding.
• Ta r ge t e d Subsidies: Enhancing the effectiveness of subsidy distribution by prioritising the most vulnerable.
• Cost-sharing Mechanisms: Incorporating co-payments or deductibles into insurance schemes to curb unnecessary utilisation.
• Population Health Focus: Prioritising investments in preventive care and lifestyle changes to reduce the prevalence of NCDs and associated expenses.
• New Financial Products: Developing premium health services and specialised insurance products and attracting investment from late-stage investors to generate additional revenue streams to support public health infrastructure.
• Cost-Effectiveness and Risk Pooling: Prioritising health products, such as vaccines, based on their broader economic and health impact.
• Cross-sector Collaboration: Encouraging open dialogue between policymakers and industry players to ensure fair pricing, shared value, and equitable access
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to medical advances.
Ong stressed the importance of integrating preventive health into both public policy and daily routines. He urged health ministries to work across sectors and for healthcare institutions to promote healthier diets, exercise, quality sleep, and social well-being to intervene early in the development of NCDs.
REGIONAL COLLABORATION
Moving forward, ASEAN regional healthcare collaboration will prioritise workable, versatile approaches over seeking complete alignment of healthcare standards. This decision is informed by the differences in economic development, culture, and healthcare systems that exist among member states.
Therefore, member states are exploring alternatives such as mutual recognition of regulatory approvals among trusted countries like Singapore. This approach can help streamline the approval process for medical products across the region.
At the same time, capacity building remains a priority, necessitating more developed ASEAN member states to aid their regional counterparts in improving healthcare capabilities.
Furthermore, the ASEAN Free Trade Area( AFTA), with its focus on free trade and barrier reduction, is expected to enhance the flow of medical supplies and strengthen ASEAN ' s standing as a competitive hub for production.
Reflecting the impact of COVID-19, ASEAN member states recognise the importance of resilient and decentralised supply chains to better respond to future health crises. Ultimately, ASEAN ' s healthcare future lies in pragmatic cooperation, trust-building, and leveraging each member ' s strengths to create a more integrated and sustainable regional health ecosystem.
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SOUTHEAST Asia has made significant public health progress, from reduced maternal and child mortality and expanded immunisation to the control of diseases like polio and malaria. However, a new challenge has emerged in the form of noncommunicable diseases( NCDs) affecting all income levels across ASEAN member states. Malaysia is addressing these challenges by strengthening its alignment with the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation( ACAI) and preparing to launch its National Ageing Blueprint. This comprehensive framework encompasses economic, fiscal, and health policies. The country is also working to reduce health disparities in rural and marginalised communities through localised, inclusive strategies. Since 2012, Malaysia has conducted over 2,600 clinical trials, particularly in oncology, supported by a robust regulatory framework that fosters innovation. In a complementary effort, the National Lung Health Initiative 2025-2030 targets the prevention and screening of lung-related diseases. This initiative aims to utilise AI-powered screenings for early detection, complemented by public awareness campaigns.- The HEALTH |