SUHAKAM’s REPORT TO THE UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE ON ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN 3.5.3 The Commission welcomes the Government’s commitment to improve women’s rights and status in the country through the change of legislation, regulations, practices and shifting mindset that hinder the progress of women.7 This move is in line with the Commission’s recommendation to the Government to review and replace all discriminatory laws in Malaysia. 3.6 RIGHT TO HEALTHCARE 3.6.1 The healthcare delivery in Malaysia has gradually improved and women are not excluded from receiving equal and equitable access to and delivery of healthcare services especially among the marginalized groups including the poor, indigenous and migrant groups. Malaysia has introduced services such as the flying doctor services, community nurse programme and mobile clinics. However, inadequate physical and economic access to healthcare services as well as irregular delivery of services still persist in some rural areas mainly due to factors such as bad weather and safety. In addition, people in the rural areas lack access to healthcare-related information such as information on available services and where to obtain such services.8 3.6.2 The Commission welcomes the Government’s initiatives to encourage women to take better care of their health through a number of programmes. The Commission views favourably the Government’s action in making mammogram examination available and free for more Malaysian women by continuing the subsidy programme as announced in the National Budget for 2013. The Subsidy Programmes are targeted at female citizens and permanent residents of Malaysia aged between 40 and 70 years and women aged 35-39 years with a family history of breast cancer.9 Furthermore, the Government sets aside of RM9 million for free breast prostheses and special bras for breast cancer patients in its National Budget 2014. 7 The commitments were made by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, who is also the Minister of Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development on 29 January 2013. See http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsgeneral.php?id=924642. 8 Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) 2011. Part I Background on SUHAKAM’s Dialogues on Human Rights and Access to Equitable Healthcare. Report on Human Rights and Access to Equitable Healthcare. P. 11. 9 Source: website of Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development http://mamogram.lppkn.gov.my/Pages/portal.aspx 5