Healthcare in Malaysia

Due to the issues aforementioned regarding the public universal healthcare system, adoption of private health insurance is widespread among the populace, in order for individuals to pay for the high treatment costs charged at Malaysian private hospitals for medical procedures.

Since the country's independence in August 1957, the system of medical care transferred from the British colonial rule has been transformed to meet the needs of emerging diseases, as well as national political requirements.

[1] Infant mortality rate – a standard in determining the overall efficiency of healthcare – in 2005 was 10, comparing favourably with the United States and western Europe.

[4] The government produced a plan, 1Care for 1Malaysia, in 2009, with the intention of reform based on the principle 'use according to need, pay according to ability', but little progress towards its implementation has been made.

However, the main drawback is the shortage of staff in public hospitals compare to number of patients seeking treatment has led to long queues.

However, the situation has now changed and companies are now exploring this area again, corresponding with the increased number of foreigners entering Malaysia for medical care and the recent government focus on developing the health tourism industry.

Recent efforts to bring many facilities to other towns have been hampered by lack of expertise to run the available equipment.

[11] Over the last couple of years, the Malaysian Health Ministry has increased its efforts to overhaul the system and attract more foreign investment.

[12] The Health White Paper was released in 2023, covering four key areas: The Malaysian government has developed a National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (NIPPP) which serves as a time bound guide for preparedness and response plan for influenza pandemic.

It provides a policy and strategic framework for a multisectoral response and contains specific advice and actions to be undertaken by the Ministry of Health at the different levels, other governmental departments and agencies and non-governmental organisations to ensure that resources are mobilised and used most efficiently before, during and after a pandemic episode.

To be eligible to participate patients have to receive a certification from a pharmacist that their condition is stable and that they understand how to properly use their medication.