I refer to the Malaysiakini article Nation's healthcare system ill, needs attention .

I worked in the government health service for 22 years before joining a private pharmaceutical firm last year. The points raised by the two writers were relevant and I have to say that although most of their arguments have been raised before, the piece was an interesting read.

As a former government servant, I understand and share the frustrations of Malaysians when it comes to public health service. However, I would like to make a few observations that Nurul Izzah and Yolanda might have missed out on that are preventing them from understanding the bigger picture.

Healthcare is a universal right. Government hospitals charge RM1 for visits to outpatient clinics, RM5 for specialist clinics, and a RM50 ceiling for third-class ward hospitalisation, making ours  the most affordable in the world.

It is not true that the government is not spending enough on healthcare. Under the Ninth Malaysian Plan for 2006-2010, a total of RM10.7 billion was allocated to healthcare development.

This was an increase of 12.7% over the 8MP for 2001-2005. Total expenditure on health has been growing steadily from 2.9% of GDP in 1997 to 4.8% of GDP in 2008.

There are many levels to providing effective and affordable healthcare and I believe the government has always put the people first despite its various weaknesses.

When the government charges a patient at a ‘1Malaysia’ clinic RM1, the patient gets much more in value than the actual amount he’s paying. While the criticism is that only medical officers are posted in ‘1Malaysia’ clinics as opposed to doctors, many ignore the fact that many in the urban poor segment are now getting instant healthcare and treatment nearer to their homes.  

When it comes to more serious diseases and conditions, public hospitals are usually well- equipped to provide high quality treatment, although the problem often is that there aren’t enough doctors to actually perform these tasks.

This is where the government has failed over the years and it is encouraging that the Ministry of Health has now embarked on a serious programme to bring our doctors working abroad back.  I hope this plan pays dividends soon though.

As a former government employee, I will always have a soft spot for public health service as I understand just how difficult it is to maintain an effective delivery system.

I however believe that there is always room for improvement and that young people like Nurul Izzah and Yolanda should continue to air their views on healthcare albeit in a more constructive manner.