logo
Malaysia reports first Covid-19 fatality this year involving high-risk patient, says Health Ministry

Malaysia reports first Covid-19 fatality this year involving high-risk patient, says Health Ministry

Malay Mail2 days ago

PUTRAJAYA, June 19 — Malaysia recorded its first Covid-19 death this year in the 24th epidemiological week of 2025 (ME 24/2025), involving an individual with serious comorbidities and no second booster dose, the Health Ministry (MoH) said today.
In a statement, the ministry said the cumulative number of Covid-19 cases nationwide stands at 21,738, with weekly averages holding steady at around 900 cases.
However, ME 24/2025 saw a slight increase to 3,379 cases — up 14 per cent from 2,011 cases the previous week.
'Despite the uptick, the overall Covid-19 situation in the country remains under control and well below the national alert threshold,' said the ministry, crediting continuous surveillance and public health interventions.
The lone fatality reported this year marks a sharp decline from the 57 Covid-related deaths recorded in 2024.
The last death prior to this occurred on May 26, 2024.
The latest victim was reportedly living with heart disease and diabetes and had not received a second booster dose.
In the same week, six Covid-19 patients were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs).
All were vulnerable individuals with existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, dyslipidaemia, and Down syndrome.
'All six patients received critical care under the supervision of health professionals and have since been discharged from the ICU — four have returned home, while two were transferred to general wards,' the ministry said.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Malaysia late to the party? Here's how DRG hospital funding reforms unfolded around the world starting in 1983
Malaysia late to the party? Here's how DRG hospital funding reforms unfolded around the world starting in 1983

Malay Mail

time2 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

Malaysia late to the party? Here's how DRG hospital funding reforms unfolded around the world starting in 1983

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 — Malaysia is set to adopt the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG)-based hospital payment system in a bid to make healthcare more efficient, transparent and sustainable. It joins a growing list of nations that have overhauled hospital funding models to control escalating costs and incentivise better patient care. Originally developed in the United States in the early 1980s, DRG systems assign hospitals a fixed reimbursement rate based on a patient's diagnosis, rather than the number or type of services provided. This helps discourage unnecessary procedures and encourages shorter hospital stays. Here's how countries across the globe have implemented and adapted a DRG approach to suit local needs: Malaysia — End 2025 Malaysia's dual healthcare system consists of a heavily subsidised public sector and a fee-based private sector. The DRG system will introduce fixed, standardised pricing for treatments regardless of actual costs. The government plans to roll out its DRG system in phases starting at the end of this year, beginning with minor ailments in public hospitals. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the move is expected to drive innovation and transparency, while reducing overall costs. 'DRG implementation is a long-term process, but we're beginning with minor cases before moving on to more complex treatments. Our goal is to establish a well-designed system that works specifically for Malaysia,' he said on Wednesday. United States — DRG pioneer (1983) The United States was the first to introduce DRGs, launching them in its Medicare system in 1983. Hospitals were reimbursed a fixed amount rather than issuing itemised bills, pushing them to become more cost-efficient. Australia — 1992 Australia implemented its own version, the Australian National DRG (AN-DRG), in 1992 based on a modified US model. In 1998, this was replaced by the Australian Refined DRG (AR-DRG), tailored to local clinical and administrative needs. Following the 2011 National Health Reform Agreement, Australia adopted activity-based funding nationwide, aiming to increase transparency and improve resource allocation in public hospitals funded jointly by the Commonwealth and state governments. Sweden, Finland, Norway — Mid-1990s These three Nordic countries adopted modified DRG systems in the mid-1990s to align with their respective healthcare structures. Germany — 2000 Germany formally adopted DRG systems under the Social Health Insurance Reform Act of 2000. Based on Australia's AR-DRG model, the German system is overseen by its Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System (InEK). By 2003, DRG systems were mandatory in all hospitals. InEK continues to manage coding, pricing and classification updates to ensure the system keeps pace with clinical and economic developments. Estonia — 2001 After the Russian financial crisis of 1999, Estonia faced long wait times and tight hospital budgets. In 2001, it replaced its fee-for-service (FFS) model with DRG-based payments, improving cost predictability and reducing delays in care. Croatia — 2002 Croatia's Health Insurance Fund began adopting DRGs in 2002 via a system known as Plaćanje po terapijskom postupku (PPTP). The aim was to shorten hospital stays, improve patient turnover, and optimise resource use. Over time, DRGs helped rationalise services and improve access to key procedures. Thailand — 2003 Thailand incorporated DRGs into its Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) in 2003, initially covering inpatient care for 49 million people. Previously based on FFS, the scheme saw fewer unnecessary treatments and better budget control post-DRG. Over time, DRGs expanded to include subacute and psychiatric services. Thailand's other two public healthcare schemes — the Social Security Scheme and the Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme — also adopted DRGs by the late 2000s. China — 2009 China's healthcare system uses DRGs in various forms across provinces. In 2011, Beijing introduced DRGs under its Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (BJ-UEBMI). Today, three DRG systems are in use: C-DRG for pricing and payments CHS-DRG for insurance reimbursements (launched nationally in 2020) CN-DRG for hospital performance evaluation By 2021, DRG reforms were piloted in 30 cities, with a nationwide rollout planned under the National Healthcare Security Administration. South Korea — 1997 to 2013 South Korea began DRG pilots in 1997, targeting specific diseases. A voluntary phase followed, gaining broad uptake. By 2012, DRGs were mandatory for small clinics, and by 2013, tertiary hospitals joined. This helped reduce overtreatment under the FFS model and introduced more consistent pricing. Philippines — 2013 The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) began shifting from FFS to case-based payments in 2014 with the All Case Rates (ACR) system. The 2019 Universal Health Care Law reinforced this approach, mandating PhilHealth to strengthen financial risk protection and further refine DRG-based mechanisms. Indonesia — 2014 Indonesia launched its national health insurance programme, Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN), in 2014 alongside its DRG system, INA-CBGs. Both inpatient and outpatient services are reimbursed using standard tariffs set by the Ministry of Health. This model has helped keep JKN financially sustainable and scalable.

Cabinet mulls crackdown on drug-laced vapes on social media
Cabinet mulls crackdown on drug-laced vapes on social media

Free Malaysia Today

time17 hours ago

  • Free Malaysia Today

Cabinet mulls crackdown on drug-laced vapes on social media

Police said electronic cigarettes and vapes have become increasingly linked to the abuse of new synthetic drugs. PETALING JAYA : Putrajaya is looking to crack down on the sale of banned substances on social media, including drug-laced vape devices, says government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil. At a press conference, Fahmi said the matter was brought up by domestic trade and cost of living minister Armizan Mohd Ali at today's Cabinet meeting. 'The Cabinet was informed today by Armizan regarding the sale of illegal products online, including items that can be classified as drugs or narcotics, and those misused with vape devices,' he said. Fahmi said he will meet Armizan and health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad soon to discuss the implementation of enforcement measures on the issue. 'After our meeting, we will present the outcome to the Cabinet and take action either on those selling the products or the platforms that allow such products to be sold,' said the communications minister. Previously, deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said electronic cigarettes and vapes have become increasingly linked to the abuse of new synthetic drugs. He said students as young as 13 years old have been caught using vapes containing substances mixed with drugs, and urged more states to ban the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes. Ayob also said fentanyl has also been detected in vape liquids, with effects 100 times stronger and more dangerous than morphine and 20 to 40 times stronger than heroin.

Just 1% of Account 2 funds will be used in voluntary insurance scheme
Just 1% of Account 2 funds will be used in voluntary insurance scheme

Free Malaysia Today

time19 hours ago

  • Free Malaysia Today

Just 1% of Account 2 funds will be used in voluntary insurance scheme

The government is considering allowing contributors to use their EPF Account 2 to pay for their health insurance premiums. PETALING JAYA : The proposal to allow contributors to use their EPF Account 2 to pay for their health insurance premiums would only involve 1% of the funds in the account, says health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad. Dzulkefly reiterated that the proposed scheme would be voluntary and not mandatory for all EPF members, Bernama reported. 'Through this approach, the government hopes to expand access to faster, higher-quality private healthcare without increasing the financial burden on the people. 'It doesn't come out of their pockets. Only about 1% of their EPF Account 2 would be used to pay for insurance. This is the best way,' he was quoted as saying. Yesterday, Dzulkefly said Putrajaya was considering the proposal which would benefit 16 million EPF members. He said 32% of the total healthcare costs in Malaysia were paid out-of-pocket by patients without insurance protection. Funds saved in EPF Account 2 are accessible for education, healthcare, housing, and a partial withdrawal at age 50. For health withdrawals, they are limited to treatment costs for illnesses approved by EPF, the purchase of healthcare equipment, and fertility treatments. Bank Negara Malaysia previously called on insurers and takaful operators to review their repricing strategies for more 'reasonable implementation' after reports of a 40% to 70% hike in medical insurance premiums this year. Insurers and takaful providers said the increased premiums were 'unavoidable' in light of rising claims and medical inflation.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store