Dr Lee Boon Chye at the VIP table.
government announced a programme for the B40 group, providing health screening for the poor at government hospitals and private clinics as well as providing financial assistance for those who need medical equipment and transportation.” He also said there are on-going efforts to introduce social health insurance. Jari Niemi, Chairman of EUMCCI Healthcare Committee, explained that the MoH had made significant contributions towards the development of Malaysia and its current position in the region. “This also raises expectations for Malaysia to be in the leading front of development. Healthcare is one of the largest challenges we face in the coming decades, especially with spiralling costs. Jari also added that the need for public and private sector partnerships will only grow especially when building tomorrow’s healthcare infrastructure. Technology will also play an important role in making the healthcare sector more efficient in its delivery and provide more quality. “New innovations such as 3D printing have revolutionised manufacturing and provide possibilities in healthcare.” This international conference provided a platform for industry players to explore relevant megatrends in ASEAN’s emerging markets. The conference featured a host of local and international speakers who expounded on the business opportunities in healthcare in the region; ASEAN medical standards and regulatory framework; and digital healthcare and its effects on healthcare delivery models. Later, at the luncheon, which was graced by Dr Lee Boon Chye, Deputy Minister of Health, Malaysia, he explained that the MoH is committed to increasing spending for health over the next five years. The Ministry, he said, is placing great emphasis in strengthening primary care and will focus more on noncommunicable diseases, as well as look at various models for providing better care for patients. Dr Lee stressed that Malaysia is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for health which is the need for quality healthcare services without causing financial hardship.
DATO’ SERI DR CHEN HIGHLIGHTED THE ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FACED BY THE MOH IN MALAYSIA AS FOLLOWS: • The changing demographics and disease spectrum – double disease spectrum. • Rising healthcare costs and higher public expectations on the delivery of services. • Scarcity of resources and human capital development. • Increasing inequality of access to healthcare. • Growth and competitiveness in the healthcare market and • Intensifying inter and intra-sectoral collaborative efforts in healthcare. He stressed that there needs to be greater synergy between the public and private sector in ensuring that Malaysians have access to good quality and reliable healthcare services and solutions. EUMCCI REVIEW
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