Financing of Healthcare in Malaysia: Change or Business as Usual?

Abstract

Internationally, Malaysia's healthcare system has been considered a major success with universal health coverage considered to have been achieved since the late 1980s. Most of the population is within 10 kilometres of a healthcare facility or services which provide degrees of treatment and care, comparable to many economies of similar level. However, as the country begins making its transition to a high income country, the question is whether the financing for such a system is still fit for purpose, able to meet current challenges and needs (e.g. an ongoing non-communicable disease crisis and mental health), and most importantly, respond to the emerging threats such as another pandemic on the scale of COVID-19 and a growing aging population.  

What are the possibilities for financing Malaysia's healthcare system to ensure its resilience and sustainability? What could we consider to replace what we have today and not leave vulnerable populations behind? Should we disrupt what we have for the promise of better coverage, quality, and innovation in preventative health, treatment and care? This discussion will present an alternative model for consideration.  

International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Supplementary Issue: 2023 Page: S6