CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE FORMER HEALTH MINISTER, DATO' CHUA JUI MENG

In 1995, while I was employed by Mayjaus JV - Hazama Corporation (KLCC Petronas Towers during construction) and also a weekly-columnist for a national paper, I first encountered the late former Health Minister, Dato' Chua Jui Meng. During that time, I was meeting with Allahyarham Tun Ahmad Sarji, the then Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia, to delve deeper into implementing ISO 9000 in civil services.

Subsequently, the newly appointed Health Minister asked me to join him and his assistant in a private discussion room. He was interested in hearing my perspectives on enhancing quality management in healthcare.

I remember opening the thick 6th Malaysian Plan - quoting the mid term review which read :

"While the government will still remain a provider of basic health services, the role of the Ministry of Health will gradually shifts towards more policymaking and regulatory aspects, as well as, setting standards to ensure quality, affordability and appropriateness of care. At the same time the Ministry of Health will ensure an equitable distribution in the provision of health services and health manpower between the public and private sectors"

I noticed a faint surprise on his face as he remarked, "You read that verse in the 6th Malaysian Plan? I don't even recall it."

With a chuckle, I replied, "I'm aware there's a quality standard based on TQM that the Ministry is already following, and it seems to be working well." (so why need the upgrade?)

However, the main concern at that time, perhaps, was the inevitable rise of Malaysian healthcare privatization. While the Health Ministry and its hospitals aimed to adhere to the standard, certain issues, such as the transition, raised questions about potential disparities in practice between the Health Ministry and private entities, the potential increase in medication expenses and the accessibility/affordability for the public at large.

I held the opinion that implementing privatization too soon might pose challenges in effectively enhancing the quality of healthcare systems due to potential differences in management approaches.

Reflecting on the government's decision at that time to put the privatization plan on hold, I silently speculated, "He (Chua) must have convinced the then Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir."

It's truly a loss. My deepest condolences go out to the family.