KUALA LUMPUR: The government is committed to improving the people's quality of health under the 12th Malaysian Plan (12MP) through the Health White Paper.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this includes upgrading a total of 1,200 health clinics across the country between 2023 to 2025 to guarantee the best services and quality are delivered.

"The government through the 12MP also agreed to speed up the first phase of the Hospital Sultanah Aminah upgrading project, with an estimated cost of RM500 million to address the traffic congestion at the hospital," he said when tabling the mid-term review of 12MP in Dewan Rakyat, today.

The government will also scrutinise the proposal to rent high-tech equipment, including the implementation of electronic medical records at government hospitals and health clinics nationwide to ensure smooth and systematic medical records, he said.

 At the same time, Anwar added that the government has also decided to establish a Mental Health Institute following the worrying increase in mental health issues in the country.

"Hence, the government decided to establish an institute and ensure a concerted effort between the government, private sectors and civil society organisations could be strengthened in addressing the issue."

 On an ageing nation, Anwar mentioned that the government is establishing the National Aging Action Plan to ensure Malaysia is ready to face the challenges of becoming an ageing nation.

"Through this, the government will also take proactive steps to establish a new Geriatric Centre to provide high-quality healthcare service to the elderly.

"At the same time, the government is in the process of reviewing the Private Aged Healthcare Facilities and Service Act 2018 which is expected to be enforced in 2025."