THE proposed increase for public health spending will be discussed during the tabling of the White Paper on Health in parliament next month, said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. 

She said a discussion would continue with the Finance Ministry for the amount to be raised to 5% of the gross domestic product (GDP). 

“Now, it is 2.9% (of the GDP), and if we compare our country with other middle-income countries, they are already at a rate of up to 5% (of their GDP),” she told a press conference today. 

Earlier, Zaliha opened the CRM Trial Connect 2023 programme, which was held in conjunction with Clinical Research Day 2023. 

She said Malaysia was ready to carry out its First-in-Human clinical researches at two certified locations, namely Sarawak General Hospital and Ampang Hospital. 

“We have the facilities and we also have discipline when we carry out the research and this actually attracts the interest of many companies to do First-in-Human (clinical trial) in Malaysia,” she added. 

Zaliha said the programme showcased the country’s achievements and capabilities in sponsored research. 

“In the last decade, sponsored research has brought in more than RM1 billion in clinical research contract value, created 2,700 skilled jobs in clinical research, and delivered over 2,000 sponsored research projects,” she said. – Bernama, May 11, 2023.