Malaysia’s MADANI Health Reform focuses on five clusters: governance, service delivery, workforce, financing, and public health prevention
KUALA LUMPUR: The MADANI Health Reform is being driven by five strategic clusters to strengthen services and ensure a fair working environment for healthcare staff.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the effort aims to make the national healthcare system future-ready and future-proof.
This comes amid persistent challenges in financing, crowded facilities, non-communicable diseases, and staff fatigue.
“We are shifting the focus from sick care to preventive health care,” he stated in a Facebook post.
The first cluster targets institutional and governance reforms to make the Health Ministry’s functions clearer and more accountable.
Strategic bodies like the Digital Health Division boost capacity and accelerate policy implementation.
The second cluster focuses on health service delivery reform by optimising capacity and modernising facilities.
“We remain committed to digitising medical records and implementing digital appointment systems,” Dzulkefly said.
He added this aims to ease crowded hospitals and deliver more efficient, patient-centred healthcare.
The third cluster focuses on health workforce reform, including amendments to the Medical Act 1971.
It also involves the largest permanent appointments in recent healthcare history.
“This is a necessary step to end long-standing issues,” the minister said.
He said it reflects efforts to build a fairer and more stable workforce.
The fourth cluster, health financing reform, aims to secure the public system’s fiscal sustainability.
Through the RESET framework, the country is moving to value-based financing.
This ensures every ringgit delivers maximum public health benefit.
The fifth cluster focuses on public health, safety, and prevention with a tougher stance on risk factors.
This is backed by new laws like the 2024 Control of Tobacco Products for Public Health Act.
Looking to 2026, the ministry will focus on data-driven talent management and easing congestion.
It will also optimise assets and strengthen public health through broader digitalisation.
“The next phase requires strict implementation to mature these reforms,” Dzulkefly said.
Ahead of key meetings, the ministry is committed to building a healthcare system that protects the nation’s future.
