Single payer proposed for Malaysia
New Straits Times
December 22, 2002
MMA seeks health cover for all
By Pritam Singh
Kuantan, Dec 22: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has proposed to the Government the setting up of a national health financing scheme that will provide coverage for all citizens.
MMA president Datuk Dr N. Athimulam said under the proposal, already presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the young would subsidise the old, and the rich would subsidise the poor.
"The MMA feels any insurance scheme should be owned and run by the Government, and operated as a non-profit entity," said Dr Athimulam at the 20th annual installation dinner of the MMA's Pahang branch here last night.
Dr. Athimulam said insurance schemes run by private companies were profit-oriented and were only willing to insure the healthy.
"The private sector should not compete with the scheme, but complement it, and the Government should be the single payer of medical expenses."
http://www.emedia.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/National/20021223073302/Article/
Comment: If only the leadership in the United States would abandon their third world" approaches to health care and follow Malaysia's lead in advocating for a civilized health care system.