Ministry: No action against errant clinics during price display rule grace period
The ministry's deputy health director-general for pharmaceutical services, Azuana Ramli, reiterated that authorities are prioritising the concept of 'educational enforcement' during the grace period for the order.
'(According to) the order, what needs to be done...
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New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- New Straits Times
MOH outlines RM40 billion plan to strengthen healthcare under 13MP
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is committed to strengthening Malaysia's healthcare service delivery and enhancing digitalisation under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), backed by a RM40 billion allocation. With 1.6 per cent increase from the previous plan, its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry fully supports the Madani government's vision of building a more sustainable and resilient national healthcare system, anchored by five pillars under the health reform strategy. He thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah and the Economy Ministry for their leadership in shaping the 13MP. "Among the key reforms is the strengthening of health financing and governance, including the expansion of the Rakan KKM initiative as an additional option for paid elective treatment in public health facilities. "The ministry will also introduce a basic private health insurance/takaful product by December, conduct a study towards the establishment of a national health fund, optimisation of health tax mechanisms and expansion of high-value outsourcing initiatives," he said in a press conference here today after launching Op Selamat Paru-Paru. The second pillar, he said, focuses on enhancing health promotion and security by cultivating a health-literate society and encouraging behavioural change for healthier living. He said the ministry would also ramp up preparedness for health emergencies and disease control, including the formation of a dedicated health disaster task force, increased focus on rare diseases and preparations for an ageing population. On empowering the healthcare service delivery ecosystem, Dzulkefly said the ministry would develop a national framework for workforce professional development and boost talent capacity. This includes integrating cluster hospitals with primary healthcare services and investing in high-impact medical research and innovation. "We will also strengthen the "one individual, one record" as the foundation of a digital health system and generate high-impact health analytics with artificial intelligence support. "The ministry will also enhance the national regulatory system for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and increase the production capacity of local manufacturers, among other measures," he said. The 13MP is a key policy document that will guide Malaysia's policies over the next five years, involving a budget of RM611 billion. The 13MP, covering 2026 to 2030, sets out progressive and realistic objectives to spur economic growth, raise household incomes and ensure inclusive development across all sectors.
Borneo Post
10 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Prioritise children's palliative care, says Sabah Health Exco
James (centre) poses with the organiser and cyclists at Hilton Hotel. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 1): Paediatric palliative care must be prioritised as an integral part of the national healthcare system, said State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister, Datuk James Ratib. Speaking at the closing of the SEPEDA Amal Borneo 2025 event today, James highlighted the critical shortage of paediatric palliative care specialists in Malaysia — only six are currently serving under the Health Ministry, despite an estimated nine million children needing such care. 'In Sabah, these services are only available at the Sabah Women and Children's Hospital in Kota Kinabalu. Last year alone, more than 100 new paediatric palliative care cases were referred to the Likas unit,' he said during the event held at Hilton Hotel. James called on the Health Ministry to urgently address the shortage by training more specialists and increasing funding for the field. He also appealed for additional incentives to attract doctors to serve in Sabah. He emphasised the unique challenges faced by children in Sabah's remote areas, many of whom come from underprivileged communities and currently have little to no access to palliative services. 'I am especially supportive of MAPPAC's vision to build the first children's hospice in Sabah. Such a facility would ensure that care is delivered in a dedicated and well-equipped setting, regardless of the patient's background,' he said. James pledged his full support as the state's Health Exco to help make the hospice a reality and urged the Federal Government, through the Health Ministry, to collaborate and allocate necessary funds. 'This is my commitment to our children who are truly in need of our help,' he added. The SEPEDA Amal Borneo charity cycling event, organised by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), was aimed at raising awareness and funds for the hospice. The event saw 17 cyclists from across the globe complete a grueling six-day, 600-kilometre journey from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu, passing through Paitan, Kota Marudu, Ranau and Tambunan — with a total elevation of over 6,000 metres. 'I am deeply impressed by the commitment shown by the SEPEDA Amal Borneo participants, who come from various professions, backgrounds and nationalities,' James said. 'Your efforts have helped bring attention to an issue that truly matters.'
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Health Ministry to present vape ban timeline to Cabinet
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry will present a timeline for a full ban on the use and sale of electronic cigarettes or vapes to the Cabinet, pending input from health experts. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry is currently awaiting recommendations from the health expert community before taking the next step. "As for a timeline, I cannot provide an exact date. What I can confirm is that we will continue to review and evaluate the matter. "Once the expert community provides its recommendation to the ministry and the minister, we will present it to the Cabinet for consideration," he said at a press conference after Op Selamat Paru-Paru (Op Selamat PaPa) here today. Dzulkefly said the ministry is currently in the educational enforcement phase of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which regulates vaping products and is scheduled for full enforcement on Oct 1. He said the ministry now is moving towards a total ban on vape products based on scientific and medical evidence including real-life cases. "I want to reiterate that the issue is not if a ban will happen, but when. It is only a matter of time. "We want this to be executed thoroughly, not hastily, because there are significant legal implications, public health consequences and evidence that must be carefully scrutinised. "We will proceed based on a detailed, evidence-based approach," he said. He said any decision regarding a full ban would also need to consider legal and policy impacts, and the ministry is committed to a measured approach that weighs all relevant factors. Meanwhile, on Op Selamat PaPa, he said as of now, 281,381 premises have been inspected nationwide, and 459 investigation papers have been opened for various offences. Of these, he said, 340 cases were opened under Section 7 for the offence of advertising smoking products. "Another 68 investigation papers were opened under section 14 for selling smoking products not in accordance with the prescribed pricing and conditions. "51 investigation papers were opened under section 15 for manufacturing, importing or distributing smoking products that do not comply with packaging and labelling requirements," he said. He said upon conviction, first-time corporate offenders face a fine of RM20,000 to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. For repeat offences, he said, the penalty increases to a fine of RM50,000 to RM300,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
