LETTER | The Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue welcomes the allocation of RM36.3 billion for healthcare in Budget 2023, which signals a slightly greater commitment to health compared to the previous budget proposed by the Ismail Sabri Yaakob administration at RM36.1 billion.

From the total of RM36.3 billion allocated, the Health Ministry will have RM31.5 billion for its operating expenditure and RM4.827 billion for development expenditure.

It is particularly encouraging to see the government’s commitment to addressing the healthcare worker shortage crisis with an allocation of RM3 billion for new permanent and contract positions, including more than 1,500 medical officers, and dental and pharmacy officers.

While such an initiative is welcomed, it is imperative for the government to take note that the primary concern of the public is to obtain quality health that comes with efficiency.

The waiting period in government hospitals is too long and it is a burden to the sick and those who are suffering from pain.

It is a well-known fact that in the dual Malaysian healthcare system, efficiency means going to private hospitals and paying more for services of efficiency.

Unless such thinking is reversed in the culture of healthcare in the country, it would be difficult for Malaysians to obtain quality healthcare in real experience, at government hospitals.

Lately, my wife and I had to wait from 6.45am to 11.45am in a government hospital to treat my son who suffered from a toe dislocation. I was wondering what if this were to happen to those who had to wait such long hours due to a major injury.

What’s more the waiting period at the orthopedic clinics, where I wonder whether the doctors have the time to thoroughly examine the conditions of the patients.

The experience of ordinary Malaysians in government hospitals should receive greater attention from the government than so-called health tourism, which tends to cater to those who are rich and able to pay for efficiency.

Improving public healthcare efficiency contributes to the holistic development of human persons in the context of the socio-economic development of the country.

Healthcare is a basic human right and not a commodity to be transacted for economic gains. The budget should focus on efficient and quality healthcare and break from the culture that efficiency means paying more.

Our public hospitals should be first class and be the first choice of all Malaysian citizens.

RONALD BENJAMIN is Association for Welfare Community and Dialogue secretary.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.