Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan

At Your ServiceDespite such a low level of national investment on healthcare, we have achievedlaudable health outcomes. Imagine what we can achieve if we are able to spendmore. Data compiled by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has shown thatour overall public health performance is remarkably good.The future poses challenges which include a changing disease pattern, a wellinformedand demanding public, rising costs of healthcare, new medical technologies,globalisation and liberalisation.We aim to be more people-/focused and competitive and be able to flourish ina global economy. To meet the increasing expectations of customers for qualityservices, public and private hospitals are continuously being assessed againstprofessionally-determined standards of care.Many of our hospital have achievedinternational accreditation. Health is anindirect investment to the economy of thecountry. As such, it must now be businessunusual in our delivery of services. Patients’safety is another key area of focus for theMinistry of Health.The increasing complexity of healthcare, coupled with the various types and levelsof healthcare providers and the use of complex technologies may occasionallyinfringe on patient safety. International concerns for patient safety have led to theestablishment of the World Alliance for Patient Safety by the WHO, which hascalled for worldwide action to enhance patient safety. Malaysia is a signatory tothe World Alliance for Patient Safety in May 2005 and the ministry is committed tomaking the Malaysian healthcare system safer. Future health reforms will enhancethe seamlessness of care from primary to hospital care.Currently, consumers have open access to doctors at the level of clinics andhospitals in the public and private sectors. An important factor is the need forintegrated medical and health records to ensure continuity of care. The introductionof the Teleprimary Care pilot project in Sarawak, Johor and Perlis has improved26