KUALA LUMPUR: Access to healthcare services remains a challenge for certain segments of the population following limited healthcare resources, according to the Health White Paper.
The report said that the Health Ministry will give priority to planning and monitoring of resources to ensure that at-risk groups receive adequate healthcare services and address systemic health inequalities.
"Current policies and approaches will be reviewed and updated to address health disparities or gaps within the country, facilitating a more integrated effort in the future, particularly involving coordination among various stakeholders," said the report.
The Health White Paper said that this will help reduce and better monitor health disparities between regions and different societal groups.
"For example, the growing elderly population requires a comprehensive response to address their healthcare needs," it said.
The report also recommended strengthening of coordination platforms with relevant ministries and agencies involved in social care, as well as reassessing and improving healthcare system preparedness strategies for future ageing needs, which the report finds necessary.
"The projections for demands for services, facilities, human resources, technology, and allocations will be included in this scope, along with options to expand health benefit packages and contribution schemes to cover long-term care," added the report.
The geographical and socio-economic characteristics, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, pose particular challenges in terms of equity in healthcare delivery and coverage, noted the report.
"Close cooperation will be established with state representatives to enhance decision-making processes involving resource allocation, planning, service modalities, technology, and human resources based on current needs," said the Health White Paper.
Another matter that requires attention and poses challenges includes providing healthcare to non-citizens, including undocumented individuals, stateless persons, foreign workers, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Existing cross-sectoral guidelines and policies need to be reviewed to improve access to healthcare for all these groups.
"Access and quality of healthcare for vulnerable and high-risk groups, such as indigenous people, persons with disabilities, those living with or at risk of HIV, victims of domestic violence, prisoners, homeless individuals, and other groups in need of support or protection, will be examined and enhanced," it said.
The report said platforms and methods currently used for coordination with relevant ministries and communities would also be strengthened to accommodate the healthcare needs of these vulnerable groups.
Among steps that should be adopted to address these issues included reviewing the healthcare system preparedness strategies to address the future needs of an aging population and improving coordination among agencies involved.
