THE unity government’s performance in healthcare is ongoing but certain areas need immediate attention for improvement, a health watchdog said.

The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy said key areas that need to be looked at include improving existing infrastructure, retaining manpower, increasing coverage and quality of service delivery, and addressing multiple crises the government is currently experiencing.

Galen chief executive Azrul Mohd Khalib, in a statement, said the country’s healthcare system and the health of people in this country are currently in crisis.

“We call on the unity government to take the opportunity to implement necessary and delayed reforms.

“They must also continue to work in collaboration and consultation with patient groups, affected communities, the private sector, and civil society organisations.”

Azrul, however, said for the first 100 days of its administration, the organisation would give the unity government three out of four stars. 

“In early January we identified four issues for the unity government to be used as indicators for the first 100 days.

“The government has begun work on three of these issues. We give three out of four stars, or a B-grade for the first 100 days.”

Azrul said urgent action is needed and these four issues require the government’s attention and commitment.

“Firstly, actions to address the exodus of healthcare workers from the Malaysian public healthcare system.

“Almost weekly, dozens of young, experienced and senior medical professionals including doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals from all levels are resigning from contract and permanent positions.

“Their reasons for leaving include frustration of contract and permanent positions, poor workplace conditions bullying and sexual harassment underpaid, and burnt out. 

“We ask for the government to prepare and present a plan to address the massive haemorrhage of talent.”

He however said they were pleased the government in the Dewan Rakyat recommendation to form a multi-ministerial task force to look into the issue as part of essential public sector reforms.

“It needs to look at long-term plans to address both recruitment and staff retention. Town halls with healthcare workers.”

Another issue, he said, was the congestion in hospital emergency departments (EDs).

“This is not just an inconvenience for patients and staff, EDs crowding is a significant source of patient harm. 

“Patients are facing unreasonably long hours waiting for treatment and care in the EDs, and sometimes even longer periods, which have stretched to several days waiting for transfer to beds in wards. 

“People are being treated and sometimes even dying in corridors and makeshift wards.”

Azrul said the proposed Madani Medical Scheme, if implemented properly and effectively, has the potential of making a real impact.

This, he said, will significantly reduce the congestion seen in EDs.

“Allowing those eligible for the scheme to seek fully subsidised treatment and care at private general practitioner panel clinics rather than depend on the ED is a potential game changer.

“It can reduce the numbers of those seeking treatment at EDs. This should be rolled out as soon as possible.”

On the issue of vape, he said the government must tackle the issue as it remains unregulated, unrestricted, and out of control. 

Azrul also added that it is worrying to see the government not beginning to review or audit the safety of public healthcare facilities. 

“The government needs to implement an immediate audit of all fire and related safety measures on all its healthcare facilities.” – March 17, 2023.