Big boost for rural healthcare

Malaysiakini: The rural health services will be getting a RM2.027 billion impetus under the 9MP, doubling the amount of the previous plan.
The amount forms 20 percent of the total expenditure for the health sector under the 9MP, scheduled to run from 2006 to 2010.
The 9MP report, released today, revealed that three less developed states such as Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu, are still lagging far behind in terms of doctor-population ratio, as of 2005.
As such, the 9MP hopes to further improve the ‘tele-consultation’ services to allow specialist services for the rural population, especially those in Sabah and Sarawak.
More money will also be channeled to financing additional and improved accommodation facilities for healthcare givers in rural and remote areas.
Furthermore, the implementation of the ‘water supply and environmental health programme’ will be continued, whereby “provisions of sanitary latrines, safe water, proper sullage and solid waste disposal systems will be expanded for the benefit of the rural population”.

Health financing scheme

The report describes the impending implementation of the National Health Financing Scheme as a mechanism to “enhance accessibility and equity” for the public.
“In doing so, the mechanism will encourage greater flexibility and freedom of choice in obtaining care from both the private and public sectors.
“In addition, the Government will continue to ensure that no one is denied access to health care,” read point 20.77 of the report.