MSF ready to work with govt for safe, affordable healthcare for all

GEORGE TOWN: Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) or Doctors Without Borders is ready to work with the government, hoping that the Health Ministry's proposal to reform the healthcare system will include safe and affordable healthcare for all in Malaysia, regardless of country of origin, citizenship or documentation status.

In a statement, MSF Head of Mission Dirk van der Tak said MSF, an international, independent medical humanitarian organisation, welcomes Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin's proposal to reform the country's health system given its timely manner, especially in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"MSF has witnessed refugees and asylum seekers who delay or do not seek healthcare because they are unable to afford the medical fees that foreigners are subjected to in the country.

"MSF calls on the Ministry of Health to steer a new course forward when reforming the health system to make it safe and affordable for all, including refugees, asylum seekers and stateless people who are among the most vulnerable groups in Malaysia," he said.

Furthermore, he said a future-proof and sustainable national healthcare system must take into account public health priorities and be grounded on the principles of medical ethics.

"MSF stands ready to work with the government to support solutions for an inclusive, safe and affordable healthcare for all," he added.

--BERNAMA

TAG: Medecins Sans Frontieres, Doctors Without Borders, Ministry of Health, healthcare system reform.