Health DG, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, called out Malaysian scientist, Audrey Teh, for an incorrect statement she said which was published by the scientific journal Nature website.
The article talked about Audrey who is using the power of plants or specifically tobacco to produce antibodies for drug development. These drugs can be used to fight cancer and even Covid-19. In the article, Audrey says, “I’m from Malaysia, where we don’t have state health care, and I’ve seen families bankrupted by medical bills.”
This statement angered a lot of Malaysians who told that this was entirely inaccurate and the publication should’ve done their research and fact-check before publishing the article.
In a lengthy Facebook post addressed to the Chief Editor of Nature, Dr Noor Hisham said that while the country is always proud when Malaysians are involved in worthy evidence-creation, they need to voice out their concerns regarding the statements. He even shared evidence to refute these inaccuracies which included:
- Malaysia achieved the Universal Health Coverage (UCH-universal health coverage) certification in 1990 through a public provision funded by the health care services tax.
- Malaysia provides highly subsidized health care for all residents through its large network of hospitals and clinics.
- All residents of Malaysia are able to access these services with minimal payments, while services for disadvantaged populations such as the poor, disabled and the elderly are provided free of charge.
- With highly subsidised and comprehensive public health services for all, Malaysia has one of the lowest incidences of catastrophic expenditures amongst middle-income countries
“The World Health Organization (WHO) also continued to recognize that Malaysia provided quality health care services based on a good health care system, and a well-trained workforce.”
Many have responded to the “Wrong trespassing information on Malaysian Health Care System by molecular immunologist at…
Posted by Noor Hisham Abdullah on Sunday, 1 November 2020
World Of Buzz has reached out to Ms Audrey Teh for further clarification.
What do you think of this statement made by the Health DG? Let us know in the comments section!
Also read: Lady in Melaka Slammed For Blatantly Condemning M’sian Healthcare System On Social Media
