MORE public health experts are questioning the need to reclassify certain expenditure under Budget 2021’s allocation for the Health Ministry.

The Malaysian Health Coalition said Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz must clarify the expenditure breakdown and why RM4.29 billion is placed under Code 080000 (Specific Programmes), as well as the large increase in Services & Supplies spending in the Development Expenditure category.

There is also no breakdown by medical discipline or service, the coalition said in a statement.

“In both cases, the government must provide a clear breakdown by category, as transparency will ensure no inefficiencies, leakages or wastage. 

“The government must also clarify whether the boost in Development Expenditure will strengthen much-needed healthcare access in rural areas, Sabah and Sarawak,” the coalition said.

Its reaction to the budget echoes the sentiments of Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, who yesterday said the reclassification will result in less transparency on how the funds will be utilised.

“We do not know whether there is a reduction or increase in each department and we will not be able to gauge if it is sufficient and adequate,” said Yii.

He also said the Specific Programmes category might add bureaucracy to access the funds, when they are needed urgently to deal with health crises.

Zafrul has denied that the government drastically reduced public health funds in Budget 2021, which he tabled in Parliament on Friday, and had taken to social media to explain the reclassification of expenditure.

However, the coalition said the 4.3% overall increase in allocation for the Health Ministry remains disappointing.

“This increase is insufficient during a great pandemic, and we note that this budget did not come close our proposed target of 4% of national GDP,” it said, urging MPs to support this target.

“There must be a higher allocation to manage non-Covid-19 care, such as non-communicable diseases (NCD), mental health and preventive care, as well as public health systems. 

“We are especially disappointed that there was no mention of more permanent posts for front-line health professionals who are currently on contract. This budget must address these issues.”

Given the pandemic, as well as other ongoing health issues, such as the prevalence of NCDs among Malaysians, the coalition said Budget 2021 lacked a “big-picture” strategy.

“(It is) a collection of temporary fixes. This pandemic is an opportunity to reform our healthcare system and strengthen it for future generations. 

“We urge the government to adopt long-term, durable policies toward sustainable healthcare financing, establishing oversight mechanisms and public-private partnerships.” – November 9, 2020.