TheHEALTH November/December 2024 | Page 3

November-December . 2024 | The HEALTH

P16 Cutting-edge technology UPM Teaching Hospital leads prostate cancer innovation with groundbreaking TMA

P17 A crisis looming The urgent need for global awareness and action

P18-19 Deep dive Understanding the different frequencies of the brain

P20-21 Critical illness : Does halalness matter ? Islam provides clear guidance on permissible and prohibited matters during illness , ensuring actions align with faith

P22 L-Dopa , what ? New molecule steals spotlight in Parkinson ’ s battle

P23 The torn knee Understanding multi-ligament knee injuries

The HEALTH says ...

THE RECENT budget allocation of RM45.27 billion for Malaysia ’ s Ministry of Health ( MOH ) in Budget 2025 has created a mix of hope and concern among healthcare workers and the public .

The 9.8 per cent increase from last year shows a commitment to improving the healthcare system , primarily through more funding for operational expenses and development expenses .

The rise in operational expenses , which includes salaries for healthcare professionals , suggests better job security and pay for medical staff , which is essential given the ongoing issues with contract employment and low allowances .

The proposed increase in on-call payments for medical officers , though still less than what many want , indicates that the government is starting to listen to healthcare workers ’ concerns . This shows a growing awareness of the challenges faced by healthcare providers and the need for better pay to retain skilled workers in the public sector .

Additionally , the RM1.5 billion set aside for building and upgrading healthcare facilities addresses the urgent need for better infrastructure , which has long affected the quality of services . Upgrading dilapidated facilities and ensuring that essential equipment is available can significantly improve patient care and staff morale .

However , there are criticisms about how the budget is structured and what it prioritises . The relatively small increase in development spending , compared to operational costs , raises worries about the long-term future of healthcare improvements . Without more investment in infrastructure and services , the healthcare system may struggle to meet future needs .

The introduction of targeted subsidies for higher-income earners , while meant to ease financial pressure on the healthcare system , could undermine Malaysia ’ s commitment to universal healthcare . This change may leave lower-income individuals , who depend heavily on public services , feeling neglected and further exacerbate existing inequalities .

Moreover , while the budget provides funds for essential services and improvements , it needs to be clarified how effectively this money will be used . There is a history of budget funds not leading to real improvements due to bureaucratic delays and poor management .

The Prime Minister ’ s call for ministries to focus on basic infrastructure is positive , but it needs to be supported by accountability measures to ensure these plans are effective . Without proper oversight , there is a risk that funds may not be appropriately allocated or wasted , failing to achieve their intended goals .

Additionally , the government ’ s idea of outsourcing patient care to private facilities shows a creative approach to improving service delivery . This could relieve pressure on public hospitals while helping patients access necessary treatments more quickly .

However , careful planning and execution will be essential to maintain quality and fairness in care . Outsourcing must be managed to ensure that it does not compromise the standard of care provided to patients in public facilities .

While Budget 2025 includes several positive moves towards strengthening Malaysia ’ s healthcare system , it also reveals ongoing challenges that need to be addressed . The balance between immediate operational needs and long-term development is critical .

Stakeholders in the healthcare sector , including government officials , medical professionals , and the public , must remain vigilant and engaged . Ensuring that the increased funding translates into meaningful improvements for healthcare workers and the patients , they serve is essential for the future health of the nation .