GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO TACKLING SIX KEY HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES - DPM FADILLAH

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the government will continue addressing six key challenges in Malaysia’s healthcare system as part of its long-term reform agenda.

He said these challenges are enhancing public health infrastructure, reducing congestion in public hospitals, addressing medical inflation, resolving issues involving contract doctors and healthcare workers, strengthening public-private partnership models for essential medicines and empowering the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat.

Fadillah said the government’s commitment is reflected in the RM46.5 billion allocation for the Ministry of Health (MOH) under Budget 2026, an increase from RM45.3 billion this year.

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“Our strategic direction focuses on strengthening system resilience through bold innovation and meaningful collaboration.

“Together, we can build a healthcare system that is agile, future-ready and capable of meeting the challenges of tomorrow,” he said when officiating the Malaysia International Healthcare (MIH) Megatrends 2025 today.

Also present were Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and his deputy, Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.

Meanwhile, Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said the MIH Megatrends 2025 serves as a crucial platform in bringing together policymakers, researchers and industry players to reimagine the future of healthcare under the theme ‘Innovating for a Healthier Sustainable Future’.

He said the programme directly complements the MADANI Framework by advancing healthcare innovation that supports inclusive growth and sustainable development, adding that innovation has become a key driver in restructuring the economy, boosting productivity and improving overall quality of life.

“Unlike other sectors, healthcare operates within inherent uncertainties, asymmetrical information between providers and patients, and a complex mix of public and private actors.

“In alignment with the MADANI values - Sustainability, Prosperity, Innovation, Respect, Trust and Compassion - this initiative reflects a whole-of-society model that strengthens our healthcare system as part of Malaysia’s broader economic transformation,” he added.

At the same time, he reminded Malaysians to remain united in confronting modern health challenges - like how the nation stood together during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every individual has access to essential and quality healthcare throughout their lifetime, regardless of background or socio-economic standing.

The three-day MIH Megatrends 2025 event, which began today, is organised by the MOH in strategic collaboration with KPJ Healthcare and has attracted more than 1,500 participants, including healthcare professionals, policymakers and industry leaders from around the world.

-- BERNAMA