Malaysia and WHO call for more investment in primary health care the 21st century

On World Health Day 2019, Malaysia will present its vision on primary health care in the 21 st century. Primary health care is the smartest first step towards universal health coverage, also known as ‘health for all’ for everyone and everywhere.

Primary health care: the path to health for all

The Malaysia “Enhanced Primary Health Care” or EnPHC demonstration project has been implemented in 20 health clinics in Johor and Selangor since July 2017. The purpose of the project was to increase detection of chronic disease such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. EnPHC ensures that every resident in the operational area will be registered. The population database is being developed, the risk profile is implemented and the population at risk is given early intervention according to their level of risk. The Enhanced Primary Health Care uses a proactive approach and emphasizes on the importance of early prevention of disease.

The percentage of the population enrolled after a year under this initiative was 309,472 (82% of the overall population in the operating areas of the 20 health clinics in Selangor and Johor) and 24.4% (92,209 people) of those enrolled have been screened for NCD risks. Through this initiative, positive outcomes were observed namely a 29% increase in diabetes tests done (HbA1c), and an improvement in control of cholesterol level among diabetic patients.

“More conclusive results of this study are expected by September 2019. We are already expanding the initiative to 20 more clinics in 2019 and more clinics in the future”, according to Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Honourable Minister of Health. He added, “Primary health care offers a comprehensive, coordinated, continuous range of services to people throughout their lives. It looks at patients’ health and well-being.

Through PekaB40, the poor citizen will get access to private general practitioners. This will open better access for all Malaysians to good healthcare services and promote preventive care which saves both suffering and public funds. “This is an efficient, acceptable, affordable way of providing health care. It is the first step on the road towards universal health coverage—a vision where all people get quality health services”, said Dr Ying-Ru Jacqueline Lo, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

Strong primary health care systems needed to address diabetes, heart disease, cancer

The noncommunicable disease (NCD) crisis is growing. NCDs such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer are responsible for more than 70% of all early deaths in Malaysia. With an enhanced primary health care system people can come to their local primary health clinic for screening and routine visits that identify and manage health problems early, so they can avoid expensive hospital visits and diseases that can lead to years of costly care, or even premature death. Through the expansion of family doctor concept and person-centered care, patient compliance to treatment will be improved.

“Preventing NCDs requires ongoing education and screening for everyone. Managing them requires access to healthcare services that understands people’s needs and respects their preferences. We need strong primary health care, so we can detect, screen and treat people at the community level, as well as provide information and advice to communities to prevent and manage these diseases,” said Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Honourable Minister of Health. “Today, we must engage the community in taking care of their own health and to change into a healthier life style. We are committed and give full support in our efforts to strengthen the delivery of this service to the people”, the Honourable Minister of Health continued.

“We are committed to working closely with the government of Malaysia to enhance primary health care in the 21 st century. We must invest in improving access to preventive and long-term care for children, adults and aging populations.” concluded Dr Ying-Ru Jacqueline Lo, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. 

For more information:

Ministry of Health Malaysia - Dr Siti Khadijah Ahmad Tajuddin, email sitikhadijah@moh.gov.my, contact no: 03 8883 2265

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