The government should disclose details on the National Health Financing Scheme (NHFS) to quell fears that it may spell the end of the equitable health care system currently in place, said the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).

"Recent announcements by the Health Ministry only touched on some principles of the scheme such as the rich subsidising the poor, and exemption of user fees for civil servants and the handicapped," said Fomca president Marimuthu Nadason in a statement released today.

He stressed that the government should place priority on setting clear indicators in determining those eligible for assistance under the scheme, which is slated for implementation next year.

"Who are the poor? What are the means tests to be used to determine (who) the poor (are)? Using existing definitions based on household incomes will deny a majority of the population access to healthcare," he claimed.

"The monthly household income of 60 percent of Malaysian households is less than RM2,000. Those self-employed, unemployed or who are home-makers are nervous and worried that free healthcare will no longer be available."

Widely debated

Expressing concern over the privatisation of areas related to public health, Marimuthu also highlighted the impact on access to medical treatment for those in lower income brackets.

"The indications are emerging that Malaysia's once equitable healthcare system may disappear. We are witnessing the privatisation of various areas in the public healthcare system such as medicine procurement and dispensing. Privatisation will deny a majority of the population access to health care.

"Information is needed critically on issues such as how will the scheme will be managed, who will manage it and how equity in healthcare will be retained for those who cannot afford treatment and care," he added.

Since being mooted in 2001, the scheme has been widely debated, with many quarters calling for a non-profit, government-led plan that draws from taxation, pay rolls and contributions from employers, employees and the self-employed.