THE Health Ministry (MOH) will hold more engagement sessions with stakeholders at the state level for the development of the Health White Paper, said Deputy Health Minister Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali. 

He said the engagement sessions, led by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, had been held in Sabah and Sarawak and will be expanded to other states before the Health White Paper is tabled in parliament in November.

Speaking to reporters after attending the ministry-level National Day and Malaysia Day 2022 celebrations today, Dr Noor Azmi said based on the previous engagement sessions, there have been various suggestions and remarks received from stakeholders to improve MOH’s services from multiple aspects. 

“The ministry wants the Health White Paper to reflect the views of the people. It has been thought of for 30 years and still has not been realised. So now, we intend to carry out major reforms to the country’s health system,” he said.

He also said the Covid-19 pandemic has opened the eyes of the ministry to seriously develop the Health White Paper so the country’s health services can be more sustainable in the future.

The Health White Paper Advisory Council was established on August 10 and is co-chaired by former Health Minister Dr S. Subramaniam and Axiata Group Bhd chairman Shahril Ridza Ridzuan.

The council had its first meeting on August 30 and had identified the challenges and constraints faced by the healthcare system in preparation for developing the White Paper.

Earlier, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the development of the Health White Paper comes at the right time to make the country’s health system more resilient in facing future challenges.

In another development, Dr Noor Azmi urged the public to refrain from making speculations that the MOH afforded special treatment to former prime minister Najib Razak, who is receiving treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital. 

“We will give the best health treatment to all Malaysians because that is the responsibility of the ministry. There is no favouritism in terms of race, religion or rank,” he said.

On Tuesday, Khairy said Najib was in stable condition and would remain at the hospital for treatment. – Bernama, September 15, 2022.