Niaga SPOTLIGHT: Managing healthcare shortages and costs
The Ministry of Health (MOH) received RM41.22 billion under Budget 2024, up from RM36.3 billion the previous year. Personal healthcare expenditures in Malaysia are projected to double to RM13.2 billion by 2028.
However, the national health service faces a severe shortage of medical staff and patient overcrowding, boosting the popularity of private clinics for their convenience and affordability. By 2022, there were over 9,800 registered private health clinics.
Dr. Azizan Abdul Aziz, President of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), discusses solutions for public healthcare talent shortages and strategies to maintain affordable private primary care.
However, the national health service faces a severe shortage of medical staff and patient overcrowding, boosting the popularity of private clinics for their convenience and affordability. By 2022, there were over 9,800 registered private health clinics.
Dr. Azizan Abdul Aziz, President of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), discusses solutions for public healthcare talent shortages and strategies to maintain affordable private primary care.
Fri Jul 05 2024
![In heated debate, Britain's Sunak, Starmer go head-to-head on the economy In heated debate, Britain's Sunak, Starmer go head-to-head on the economy](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-06/71717558024_debateoftheGenera.jpg)
In heated debate, Britain's Sunak, Starmer go head-to-head on the economy
The two leaders battled over how to tackle cost-of-living crisis, growing waiting lists in public health service and reducing immigration.
Wed Jun 05 2024
![Record-breaking doctors' strike to pile pressure on health service in England Record-breaking doctors' strike to pile pressure on health service in England](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2020-04/61587173146_NHS.jpg)
Record-breaking doctors' strike to pile pressure on health service in England
The strikes threaten to increase pressure on health service where over 7.7 mln patients are on waiting lists for procedures and appointment.
Wed Jan 03 2024
![Jakarta implements paid COVID-19 vaccination starting on January 1 Jakarta implements paid COVID-19 vaccination starting on January 1](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-03/61679280204_COVID.jpg)
Jakarta implements paid COVID-19 vaccination starting on January 1
Jakarta will implement paid COVID-19 vaccination starting on January 1 2024, and reminded people to immediately complete their vaccination.
Thu Dec 28 2023
![50,000 pregnant women in Gaza unable to obtain basic health services: UNFPA 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza unable to obtain basic health services: UNFPA](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-10/71697084312_Israelistrikes.jpg)
50,000 pregnant women in Gaza unable to obtain basic health services: UNFPA
According to UNFPA, approximately 5,500 expectant mothers are expected to give birth this month.
Mon Oct 16 2023
![MOH to immediately fill vacant posts of contract doctors - Dr Zaliha MOH to immediately fill vacant posts of contract doctors - Dr Zaliha](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-06/81687250894_ZalihaMustafa.jpg)
MOH to immediately fill vacant posts of contract doctors - Dr Zaliha
Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that immediate measures were taken to avoid shortage of medical officers in addition to ensuring the smooth running of the national health service.
Tue Jun 20 2023
![Govt appreciates support of country's nurses - Dr Zaliha Govt appreciates support of country's nurses - Dr Zaliha](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-04/61682769865_MenteriKesihatanD.jpg)
Govt appreciates support of country's nurses - Dr Zaliha
In conjunction with International Nurses Day, Dr Zaliha also hopes that all nurses will continue to work hard and improve the quality of health services in the country.
Fri May 12 2023
![Optimise MoH Budget 2023 allocations, State Govts told Optimise MoH Budget 2023 allocations, State Govts told](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-04/61680355121_MenteriKesihatanD.jpg)
Optimise MoH Budget 2023 allocations, State Govts told
MoH received the second largest increase in allocations in line with the govt's wish to ensure the continuity of public health services.
Tue Apr 11 2023
![One woman dies every 2 mins in pregnancy, childbirth: UN One woman dies every 2 mins in pregnancy, childbirth: UN](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-02/41677229488_Pregnancy.jpg)
One woman dies every 2 mins in pregnancy, childbirth: UN
These new statistics reveal the urgent need to ensure every woman and girl has access to critical health services, Tedros said.
Sun Feb 26 2023
![MOH in final phase of preparing Health White Paper MOH in final phase of preparing Health White Paper](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-02/41675675883_Kuchingpemilihan.jpg)
MOH in final phase of preparing Health White Paper
Lukanisman said this would also involve health services in Sabah which need federal government attention.
Mon Feb 06 2023
![Brazil declares emergency over deaths of Yanomami children from malnutrition Brazil declares emergency over deaths of Yanomami children from malnutrition](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-01/51674441319_BRAZIL.jpg)
Brazil declares emergency over deaths of Yanomami children from malnutrition
Lula said the aim of the declaration was to restore health services to the Yanomami people that had been dismantled by Jair Bolsonaro.
Mon Jan 23 2023
![MOH to improve health services in Sabah, Sarawak - Zaliha MOH to improve health services in Sabah, Sarawak - Zaliha](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2022-12/81670662342_ZalihaMustafa.jpg)
MOH to improve health services in Sabah, Sarawak - Zaliha
The Ministry of Health (MOH) will improve health services, especially in terms of infrastructure, in Sabah and Sarawak, its minister, Dr Zaliha Mustafa said.
Sat Dec 10 2022
![Ambulance workers to strike, further disrupting UK health service Ambulance workers to strike, further disrupting UK health service](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2022-01/41641690096_London.jpg)
Ambulance workers to strike, further disrupting UK health service
The GMB union said more than 10,000 ambulance workers across England and Wales had voted in favour of industrial action.
Thu Dec 01 2022
![Budget 2023: Public health services capacity strengthened, RM36.1 bln allocated to MOH Budget 2023: Public health services capacity strengthened, RM36.1 bln allocated to MOH](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2022-09/61662346581_TBICUHOSSGBULOHCOVID.jpg)
Budget 2023: Public health services capacity strengthened, RM36.1 bln allocated to MOH
Tengku Zafrul said a total of RM4.9 bln has been provided for procurement such as medicines, reagents, vaccines and disposable apparatus.
Fri Oct 07 2022
"Get out!" - 'Shouting Dr' case resolved after video goes viral | Kini News - 18 Feb
The Negeri Sembilan Health Department (JKNNS) said the case of a doctor purportedly losing his temper with a patient has been resolved through negotiations (Rundingcara) between both sides.
JKNNS deputy director (public health) Dr Mohamad Faid Abd Rashid said a preliminary probe is underway and the department has contacted the complainant for further details.
Farid also urged the public not to make assumptions based on the video and to obtain information from official sources.
He said that complaints about health services should be done through the proper channels and that taking pictures or video recordings without permission at a healthcare facility were not allowed.
JKNNS deputy director (public health) Dr Mohamad Faid Abd Rashid said a preliminary probe is underway and the department has contacted the complainant for further details.
Farid also urged the public not to make assumptions based on the video and to obtain information from official sources.
He said that complaints about health services should be done through the proper channels and that taking pictures or video recordings without permission at a healthcare facility were not allowed.
Thu Mar 17 2022