Issue
Malaysia’s health reformation plan is outlined in the Health White Paper 2023; however, issues of transparency in procurement processes, equitable resource allocation, and freedom of information legislation, continue to hinder equitable healthcare delivery.
How we are helping
This project aims to improve transparency and accountability in healthcare governance. It will support the implementation of the government’s health reformation plan and increase awareness amongst the most marginalised community groups about the right to information.
About the project
Ongoing disparities in healthcare service delivery persist in Malaysia, despite the government’s significant strides to improve its healthcare system, with increased funding and the introduction of the Health White Paper. Marginalised groups, including low-income households, indigenous communities, and rural populations, are disproportionately affected, facing barriers to accessing essential care. The absence of a Freedom of Information Act exacerbates these issues, limiting public oversight of healthcare spending and resource allocation.
Project partners, the C4 Center, will address the systemic barriers that hinder equitable access to healthcare services and advocate for increased accountability, equity and inclusivity within the healthcare system.
This will be achieved by:
- Conducting research and producing a report on current gaps in healthcare spending, procurement, and accessibility, with a focus on marginalised communities.
- Organising activities and events to raise awareness of healthcare rights and accessibility among underserved groups.
- Facilitating a multi-stakeholder dialogue to review research findings and explore strategies to enhance health governance.
- Producing a policy brief and presenting it to Members of Parliament and the Special Select Committee on Health to advocate for a Freedom of Information Act.
As a result of this project, it is hoped that marginalised groups will benefit from improved access to information and services, reducing disparities in healthcare. The public will have a greater awareness of healthcare rights and the importance of transparency in governance. Advocacy efforts will contribute to policy reforms, including the adoption of a Freedom of Information Act.
Project Partners
The C4 Center is a policy advocacy and non-profit organisation, dedicated to fighting corruption and cronyism by opening up government and changing the culture of governance. They do this by examining and investigating political corruption and conflict of interest, business in politics, public procurement and environmental governance. The C4 Center works at the highest levels in Malaysia with public institutions, governments, political parties and CSOs to build a vision of a corrupt-free and open society.
We support people's participation in democracy and development by providing grants, platforms, and expertise.
