One of the essential principles of healthcare is for patients to keep their own records so that they are well prepared when they meet doctors.
This is relevant in government hospitals where patients just spend five minutes with a doctor.
Malaysia has the highest number of people with obesity-related illnesses in Asia.
Empowering patients could be done for the B40 group who might not afford treatment costs.
It is vital that the concept of empowering patients is viewed from a broader perspective through reforms.
While access to health is assured in Malaysia, the reality is how much one can afford to get good treatment.
This is obvious at private healthcare institutions that cater to those who can afford it.
While one may pay RM1 for treatment at government hospitals, it does not determine quality healthcare.
There is a need to make public health institutions a centre of excellence and improve the doctor-patient ratio.
Based on the World Health Organisation’s definition for a middle-income economy, there should be one doctor for every 400 population.
In Malaysia, however, there is one doctor for 632 patients.
Ronald Benjamin
Executive secretary, Association for Community and Dialogue