Universal health coverage (UHC) protects the households from falling into poverty due to catastrophic health spending. Malaysia, an upper middle-income country, has achieved UHC through tax-based financing model similar to the Sweden model. This study measures the out-of-pocket health spending, proportion of catastrophic health spending, economic hardship, and financial coping strategies among patients with ischaemic heart disease in Malaysia. The results from this study show that approximately 16% suffered from catastrophic health spending , 29.2% were unable to pay for medical bills, 25.0% withdrew savings to help meet living expenses, 16.5% reduced their monthly food consumption, 12.5% were unable to pay utility bills, and 9.0% borrowed money to help meet living expenses. The findings highlight the need to evaluate the existing health financing system in Malaysia and to expand its safety net to cover vulnerable patients.
New article on does tax-based health financing offer protection from financial catastrophe? Findings from a household economic impact survey of ischemic heart disease in Malaysia now available on documents section
07 Aug 2021
Aungsumalee Pholpark