Plenary 2

Malaysia’s achievement in delivering a world-class health system is undeniable. Our health care system is acknowledged internationally as a successful, modern government-regulated health system that provides effective health services. However, we cannot be complacent as the current system may not be sustainable in the long term, with an aging population, increase in chronic diseases and rapid rise in health expenditure and high out-of-pocket spending. Our Vision For Health is for Malaysia to be a nation of healthy individuals, families, and communities through a health system, which is equitable, affordable, efficient, technologically appropriate, environmentally adaptable and consumer friendly. It emphasizes on quality, innovation, health promotion, respect for human dignity and community participation towards an enhanced quality of life. Under the 11th Malaysia Plan, the Ministry of Health has eight areas of focus:

1. Strengthening Primary Healthcare
2. Creating a Healthy Ecosystem towards a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention
3. Health System Delivery and Work Process Reengineering
4. Human Resource and Organisational Capacity Development
5. Infrastructure Planning and Development
6. ICT Transformation for Health
7. Public-Private/Inter-agency Collaboration
8. Ensuring Health System’s Financial Sustainability 

In transforming the health sector, we will need to innovate. We will have to move away from the normative approach and embrace a new model. Leaders in public and private sectors that shape the health system must collaborate to design innovative solutions. Innovative solutions are evolving from traditional boundaries as healthcare becomes globalized. Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things will be synonymous with everything that is public health, from population health management to optimal individualized therapy. Deep data and concepts that integrate information with technology, taking into account legal and regulatory aspects, will offer personalized care and preventive medicine to the global citizens. This will revolutionize public health and ensure the sustainability of healthcare despite the converging issues that continue to burden the healthcare system.