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Malaysians Wish To Have A Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme Satement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the setting up of a national welfare fund to subsidise the medical bills of poor patients. 11 April 2000 | |||||||
| The annual health budget of about RM5 billion in Malaysia compared to a defence budget of about RM6 bilion may not be considered too bad for the country. While we are always wary of spending more than is required for protecting the country, we are aware of the weaknesses in the health system. For example, the quality of care has to be raised. Going to a busy government clinic, we can see clearly the shortcomings. The Government prattles about preventive, promotive and curative programmes. Our Infant Mortality Rate of 8.8 per 1,000 births and doctor:population ratio of 1:1,521 are better than some countries. On the other hand, we can do much more for the health of the people. The Government spends nearly RM2 billion for medical treatment. While we should help the poor, some patients who can afford it have refused to pay. This includes immigrants. Hence, we need a comprehensive health | |
scheme to overcome various problems. Meanwhile, the Employees' Provident Fund, EPF, and Cuepacs are working out respectiuve health schemes. The Health Ministry dithers. Yesterday, the Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng said that the ministry had set up a committee to work out the details for setting up a national welfare fund to subsidise the medical bills of the poor. An application would be made to the Finance Ministry for tax exemption. We hope the minister will let us know the details. We do not want to see any abuse or misuse. However, much as we encourage the caring society with the haves helping the havenots, we would like to see the Health Ministry coming out with a truly comprehensive health insurance scheme. This scheme must take into considerations the abuses and other weaknesses which exist in other national health services such as that in United Kingdom.
Dr Tan Seng Giaw | |||||
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