KUALA LUMPUR: The Health White Paper will ensure a sustainable health care fund and the development of the national health insurance scheme.
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the white paper, once approved, would focus on carrying out basic work required in the development of the insurance scheme, including the calculation of the appropriate contribution rate if the mandate through the white paper is given.
"Meanwhile, other focus will also include the establishment of health benefit packages and the resolution towards payment mechanisms for health service providers.
"Therefore, I urge all members of parliament to support the white paper which is expected to be tabled in Parliament in June," she said during Minister's Question Time in Dewan Rakyat today.
Dr Zaliha said this in response to a question from Datuk Dr Zukafperi Hanapi (Perikatan Nasional-Tanjong Karang) on the implementation status of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
She said that her ministry was currently engaging with related stakeholders to ensure the public understood the white paper and provided necessary input for a stronger policy outcome.
"We are using a comprehensive policy to develop the white paper and we will do our best to develop it within 15 years.
"We understand that the current level of health expenditure is not sufficient to ensure a sustainable national health system and for us to deal with an ageing society with various chronic diseases, and the dangers of pandemics in the future."