HEALTH Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has met with Malaysian medical experts currently serving in the United Kingdom to discuss healthcare reforms. 

According to a statement from the Health Minister’s office today, a discussion and forum were held over the weekend in conjunction with her two-day working visit to the UK. 

“Dr Zaliha is committed to implementing changes in the country’s healthcare system through discussions with Malaysian medical experts currently serving in the UK,” the statement read.

She attended the special discussion programme titled “Building A Resilient Healthcare System – The Future of Medical Research Collaboration between Malaysia and UK”, according to the statement, and the programme covered a variety of topics including the challenges faced by healthcare systems around the world as well as cross-border research collaboration issues.

“Bilateral discussion is important, considering that the healthcare systems in the UK and Malaysia have several similarities, including in terms of providing free healthcare services, and both countries are currently striving to provide the best services despite the increase in costs and (changes in) demographics.

“The input obtained from the three-hour discussion was very useful considering Malaysia is drafting a white paper on health,” she said.

Also present during the discussion were Health Director-General Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah and Oxford University cardiologist Assoc Prof Dr Masliza Mahmod.

The discussion was the first programme organised in Oxford by the Oxford University Malaysia Club in collaboration with Clinical Research Malaysia, the statement said.

Dr Zaliha also attended a dinner with medical students and other members of the community in the UK, organised by Education Malaysia London.

According to the statement, Dr Zaliha will attend a forum titled “UK-Malaysia Clinical Research Partnership: Making It Happen” at Malaysia Hall, which will be moderated by Royal Brompton Hospital consultant thoracic surgeon Prof Eric Lim. 

The forum held at 7pm (UK Time) on Sunday will discuss the collaboration between UK and Malaysian clinical researchers to ensure quality research can be produced at their respective institutions. – Bernama, January 29, 2023.