Raising Quality In Healthcare

MELAKA, April 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's healthcare competencies are continuously improving through various internal quality assurance programmes (QAPs) such as clinical good practices and protocols.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said Saturday that so far 52 government hospitals and 16 private hospitals had gained accreditation from the Malaysian Society of Quality in Health (MSQH) which is a member of the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua), a body that oversees accreditation of healthcare facilities.
"Every year, organisers of some 30 regional and international health and medical meetings, conferences and exhibitions choose Malaysia as their preferred venue," he said at the 6th Melaka Twin Cities International Convention 2006 at the Melaka International Trade Centre, here.
The text of Dr Chua's speech was read out by Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad. The theme for this year's convention is "Generating and Stimulating Health Services Excellence in Tourism Industry among Cities".
State Executive Councillor Datuk Wira Poh Ah Tiam represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam in officiating the convention.
Dr Chua said Malaysia would host the Federation of International Obstetrics and Gynaecology Conference in Kuala Lumpur in November, an event that was expected to draw about 15,000 people from around the world.
He said the ministry operated an extensive network of 127 government hospitals and more than 3,000 primary healthcare facilities of various types to serve the population.
"We only charge a fee of 30 US cents or RM1 for consultation by doctor with supply of drugs at our government outpatient primary care clinics.
"As a result of the low treatment fees, the government subsidises about 98 per cent of healthcare cost in the public healthcare facilities," he said.
Dr Chua said that in the private sector, there were 222 private hospitals and maternity homes plus some 8,000 medical and dental clinics.