{
  "id": 12789268,
  "title": "2027 Budget should prioritise disease prevention, health education, says APHM",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/2027-budget-should-prioritise-disease-prevention-health-education",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-08T04:38:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1550375/2027-budget-should-prioritise-disease-prevention-health-education-says"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) has urged the Malaysian government to prioritize disease prevention, health education, and a healthier culture in the 2027 Budget, with a focus on tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and lifestyle risk factors. APHM president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh highlighted that many NCDs, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, are influenced by lifestyle choices, diet, and environmental factors that can be managed or prevented. To achieve this, Dr Kuljit suggested removing sugar subsidies and implementing stronger fiscal measures to discourage unhealthy consumption. He also proposed redirecting resources towards making healthier options more affordable and accessible, including subsidies for fresh fruits and vegetables, whole foods, community exercise programs, and nutrition education. Dr Kuljit emphasized that the 2027 Budget could be used to foster a culture of health in Malaysia, where good habits are integrated into daily life. He further advocated for subsidized NCD screening and preventive care to overcome financial barriers for those who might postpone treatment due to costs. Regarding healthcare delivery, Dr Kuljit supported continued funding for the Hospital Services Outsourcing Programme to alleviate public healthcare system capacity issues by allowing public hospitals to outsource some cases to private providers. Additionally, private hospitals recommended digitalizing the licensing processes for Private Medical Practice Control Section to improve regulatory efficiency and reduce administrative delays. Maintaining funding for key national healthcare institutions, such as the Malaysian Medical Council, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council, and the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health, was also emphasized. Dr Kuljit concluded by stating that making healthier choices easier will significantly reduce both the burden and cost on Malaysia's healthcare system over time.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) has called for the 2027 Budget to focus on disease prevention, health education, and a stronger culture of health, targeting non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and lifestyle risk factors.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}