PUTRAJAYA: Khairy Jamaluddin is willing to assist in any way he can to ensure healthcare system reforms are on track in line with the Health White Paper.
The former health minister said the White Paper was important to ensure the success of the much needed long-term healthcare system reforms.
He hoped that Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa would table the Health White Paper in Parliament for approval by lawmakers.
“If changes are not implemented to the healthcare system, we will not have enough resources to sustain treatment for all diseases in future.
“This includes aspects such as human resources, infrastructure, facilities and the allocations needed by the system.
Over to you: Khairy (second right) symbolically handing over duties to Dr Zaliha at the Health Ministry in Putrajaya. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
“I have informed the new minister about this and I will assist in any way I can,” he said after officially handing over duties to Dr Zaliha at the ministry headquarters here yesterday.
When asked about the Control of Tobacco Products and Smoking Bill 2022, Khairy said it needed to be tabled too as it has gone through the necessary changes recommended by the Special Parliamentary Select Committee.
He also noted that Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni had been involved in the committee.
“The changes reflect views from all parties, so I hope it will be re-tabled.
“But I understand if the new government wants the Bill to go through another round of discussion and engagement sessions,” he said.
Dr Zaliha had said that she wanted to fine-tune the Bill before the Dewan Rakyat sits for the first time in 2023.
The Health White Paper was supposed to be tabled in November, while the Bill was supposed to have been re-tabled on Oct 6 or after the Budget 2023 debate.
However, Parliament was dissolved on Oct 10 to pave the way for the 15th General Election.
