KUCHING: The formation of a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on Health has been described as vital for the future of Malaysian healthcare.
Chief Executive of the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy, Azrul Mohd Khalib, on Tuesday said its formation is considered a necessary move.
The formation of the committee is one of ten PSSCs approved by the Dewan Rakyat to monitor government ministries and activities.
“Having a PSSC specifically for health to provide oversight is critical, given the significant allocation of funds for healthcare in the Federal Budget, ongoing challenges such as an ageing population and non-communicable diseases crisis, and the billions spent on dealing with the consequences of Covid-19,” said Azrul.
“The PSSC on Health is expected to address outstanding and urgent issues related to healthcare reforms, infrastructure gaps in Sarawak and Sabah, management of healthcare workers, healthcare financing reforms, pandemic preparedness, and the escalating cost of health services.
“It will also act as a check and balance on government bills and regulations and introduce amendments before they are tabled for debate.”
Azrul said while a PSSC on Health is not a magic bullet to solve all of Malaysia’s healthcare challenges, it is expected to provide visibility, guidance, and direction to the executive and civil servants.
The Galen Centre also called for the proceedings of the select committees to be open to the public, to ensure people who would like to view and be informed on issues of interest can do so.
Additionally the centre emphasised the need for knowledgeable and interested Members of Parliament to be on the committee so that relevant issues and questions can be raised.
