Health Minister wants more public-private partnerships to enhance Malaysia’s healthcare system
Malaysian Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the country’s healthcare system has limited resources as it is funded by taxpayers.
To overcome this shortfall, collaboration between the public and private sectors must be prioritised.
Last week saw the establishment of a public-private partnership with MSU Medical Centre, Management and Science University, and MSU Foundation, for a Health Equity For Affordable and Rapid Treatment (HEART) programme that offers free treatment to B40 and M40 patients from government hospitals.
On May 2, KL International Hospital pledged RM2 million to the ministry for treatment for the B40 community, while KL Wellness City has set aside RM25 million for a nursing scholarship with MAIWP International University College, International Medical College, International Medical University, Adventist College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Lincoln University College and the Oriental Nilam College.
The scholarship will guarantee 3,000 nurses employment for five years at the soon-to-be-completed KL International Hospital at the KL Wellness City in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
The nursing scholarship is timely to address the shortage of skilled nursing professionals in Malaysia, which is looking at a projected 57.9 per cent nurses shortage by 2030.
“I said to the prime minister, ‘If you can’t give me more resources, let me be more resourceful in ensuring that healthcare in the public sector is enhanced’,” said Dzulkefly at the launch of the 624-bed hospital by KL International Hospital at the KL Wellness City Gallery in Bukit Jalil on May 2.
“I am looking at KL International Hospital and the rest of our private healthcare sector to invest in more public-private collaborations. I identified this during my first stint as health minister in 2018.
“With HEART, and now KL International Hospital, we are doing something to help many who may not have the resources to pay for their medical bills. The ministry is for the public and private sector.
“KL International Hospital’s generous contribution enhances our efforts to provide accessible healthcare to underprivileged communities, reinforcing our shared commitment to health equity in Malaysia.”
Dzulkefly also repeated his call for a National Health Trust Fund to provide access to healthcare services across the public and private sectors.
The National Health Trust Fund is similar to Britain’s National Health Service.
Addressing the projected shortage of nurses, Dzulkefly said the decision by KL Wellness City to have a scholarship agreement with six higher learning institutions was a big help.
“This investment is truly critical and pivotal, enhancing our healthcare system and supporting our workforce at the same time, while addressing the nursing shortage, projected to be close to 60 per cent, by 2030,” said Dzulkefly.
“The scholarship offers not only diploma and post- basic training, but also advanced Diploma degree, and even Masters, and beyond.”
Separately, Datuk Dr Colin Lee, Managing Director of KL Wellness City Sdn Bhd, said the KL International Hospital, a 624-bed tertiary hospital with the potential to expand to 1,000 beds, would be operational by the third quarter of 2026. The company plans to open a second hospital exclusively for cancer patients.
“We recognise that there is a shortage of nurses in Malaysia. KL Wellness City is committing RM25 million to support the education of nursing students who face personal barriers to education, allowing them to benefit from this initiative.
“The scholarship will cover the students’ education fees, living allowances and accommodation, and assuring graduates five years of employment at KL International Hospital upon graduation.”
Besides the flagship international tertiary hospital within the purpose-built township, KL Wellness City will also have medical suites, innovation laboratories, office towers, a retirement resort, wellness-centric serviced apartments, and a Central Park.
The post Health Minister wants more public-private partnerships to enhance Malaysia’s healthcare system appeared first on Twentytwo13.
