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New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Malaysia's health spending jumps 4 times in 20 years
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's per capita health expenditure nearly quadrupled between 2000 and 2020. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the figure surged from RM600 in 2000 to RM1,600 in 2020, driven by rising demand for healthcare and advances in medical technology. "Private sources accounted for RM40 billion, or 47 per cent, of total health expenditure in 2024. "Out-of-pocket spending remains high, at around 36 per cent of total health expenditure. "Our vision is to sustainably expand fiscal space while ensuring healthcare remains accessible, high-quality, and equitable," he said at the launch of the 31st Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) International Healthcare Conference & Exhibition 2025, here, today. Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry was working with the Finance Ministry, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to develop a health insurance and takaful product. This product will support the rollout of the new Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) system, which aims to transform the way healthcare services are paid for. He also dismissed speculation of a delay in the DRG implementation, adding that the initiative remained on track to be introduced in phases by the end of this year, starting with the "Rakan KKM" project. "This is not privatisation. It is publicly owned and developed for public benefit, offering optional value-added services within the Health Ministry's hospitals. "We are already seeing proof-of-concept through the Hospital Service Outsourcing Programme (HSOP), which applies bundled payment principles. "For example, waiting times for arteriovenous (AV) fistula creation for haemodialysis patients have been reduced by over 75 per cent," he added. Turnaround times for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Angiography (MRI/MRA) services have also improved by more than 20 per cent, Dzulkefly said, saying these value-based models demonstrated that system efficiency and clinical outcomes could be enhanced. Meanwhile, APHM president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh highlighted the lack of a national electronic health record system, which he said was a critical gap in the DRG implementation process. "The absence of such a system makes DRG implementation more complex," he said. Nevertheless, he expressed appreciation for the ministry's commitment to collaboration and its data-driven, evidence-based approach to the DRG rollout.
The Star
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Cabinet to decide on cannabis vape factory issue, says Health Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet will make a collective decision regarding the controversy surrounding a US-based vape company manufacturing "cannabis hardware" in Johor, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. "I will address this issue later. We have to present it to the Cabinet and from there, we will make a collective decision," he said. He added that several ministries and agencies are involved, such as the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority among others. "So, we will table this in the Cabinet meeting and reach a collective decision," said Dr Dzulkefly after attending the opening ceremony of the 31st Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) conference at the KL Convention Centre on Monday (June 9). On Thursday (June 5), Perikatan Nasional health committee chair Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi called for a police investigation into the vape factory in Senai, Johor operated by Ispire Technology Inc, a Nasdaq-listed company based in California, US. "The manufacturing licence for Ispire's factory in Senai was issued by Mida. However, questions arose as to whether Mida approvals cover the manufacturing of cannabis-related products, which is clearly illegal under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952," said the Kuala Langat MP. The licence granted by Mida to Ispire is touted as Malaysia's first federal licence to produce nicotine products. The sale of nicotine liquids is regulated under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act.
The Star
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Review of GP consultation fees brought to DPM, says Health Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The review of consultation fees for private general practitioners (GPs) has been raised to a task force chaired by Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Dr Dzulkefly stated that after a meeting between the Health Ministry and the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL), it was decided to escalate the issue to the executive task force led by the Deputy Prime Minister. 'We will bring it up for further details,' said Dr Dzulkefly to reporters after attending the opening ceremony of the 31st Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) conference at the KL Convention Centre on Monday (June 9). Dr Dzulkefly also mentioned there is no deadline for finalising the review of consultation fees for private GPs. 'No, but at the soonest time possible, we will raise this Deputy Prime Minister, who chairs the executive task force, will look into the final touches of this,' said Dr Dzulkefly. On May 3, Dr Dzulkefly said the review of consultation fees for private GPs would be finalised within a month. The Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia (MPCAM) proposed on Monday (June 9) to raise private GP fees to a range of RM50 to RM80. MPCAM noted that GP consultation fees have remained at RM10 to RM35 for more than three decades since 1992.
The Star
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Health Ministry aims to introduce DRG by end of 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry hopes to implement the diagnosis-related group (DRG) payment model by the end of the year, says Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Dr Dzulkefly stated that the proposed DRG scheme could start with a simple mechanism in its initial phase. "Start with something simple, and after momentum is developed, move to a more complex system. "I am confident we can start this," said Dr Dzulkefly after attending the opening ceremony of the 31st Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) conference at the KL Convention Centre on Monday (June 9). Dr Dzulkefly noted that Malaysia, particularly the APHM and the Finance Ministry, has experience in implementing the DRG. "I am confident we will implement this by year's end," he added. Dr Dzulkefly was responding to reports that the government postponed the DRG systems for private hospitals. DRG is a payment system involving a predetermined amount decided by the group's payment model rather than paying for each service received. Countries like Sweden, Canada, and Australia have implemented this system. He responded to reports claiming the government's plans for the DRG system at private hospitals are on hold. It was reported that the DRG would focus on simpler medical cases initially. Earlier, during his opening speech, Dr Dzulkefly said introducing DRGs to pay for healthcare services, starting with base medical and health insurance/takaful (MHIT) products, will drive value-based healthcare. "DRGs incentivise efficiency, which we expect will drive innovation in ambulatory and day-case surgery, and expand the use of health technologies that demonstrate strong cost-effectiveness in improving health outcomes while reducing total costs." Meanwhile, Dr Dzulkefly said the Finance Ministry's GEAR-uP initiative will drive further investments in the health sector. "These initiatives will be coordinated by a Joint Ministerial Committee, which will be announced shortly. "I believe many in this room are well aware of this upcoming initiative," added Dr Dzulkefly.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Travis Hunter claps backs at Cam Ward in viral NFLPA moment
If the NFLPA Rookie Premiere was meant to showcase the league's next generation of stars, Travis Hunter and Cam Ward stole the show with a viral exchange that blended swagger, humor, and competitive fire. On the surface, it was all laughs. But underneath the jokes? Pure alpha energy. Advertisement During a lighthearted but edgy back-and-forth at the 31st annual NFLPA Rookie Premiere, No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward (Tennessee Titans) and No. 2 pick Travis Hunter (Jacksonville Jaguars) went toe-to-toe in a moment that quickly became a fan-favorite clip across social media, courtesy of Well Off Media. 'I would hate to be a Jacksonville Jaguar,' Ward said, smirking. Hunter, who just capped off an unprecedented final season at Colorado with a Heisman Trophy and 4 interceptions alongside 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, didn't flinch. 'We didn't want you,' Hunter fired back. Ward, fresh off a standout year at Miami where he threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, didn't let up. Advertisement 'They say they're trying to get rid of you already.' Hunter's response? Ice cold. 'You know they don't like quarterbacks that much. They only got you cause they had to.' The interaction, caught on camera during Panini America's media content session, offered fans an unfiltered glimpse into the personalities of two of this year's most dynamic rookies. For Buffaloes fans, it was another reminder that Hunter brings not just elite playmaking, but an edge that plays at any level. Jacksonville Jaguars' Travis Hunter Travis Register-Imagn Images While the NFLPA event is typically about endorsements, branding, and business orientation, this clip reminded everyone why the football part still matters. And why Hunter's competitive edge—sharpened in Boulder—might be his biggest brand asset of all. Advertisement As the Jaguars gear up for camp, Colorado fans will be watching closely—not just to see how Hunter plays, but how he leads. If Hunter brought this kind of fire to a media shoot, imagine what he's bringing to Sundays. Related: Shedeur Sanders not emerging as Browns' QB1, per report Related: Deion Sanders and Colorado spark strong reaction with offer to four-star WR
