THE Madani medical scheme has not been discontinued but rather, will continue with the collaboration of private clinics, clarified Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
In a statement on Friday (Mar 1) Dzulkefly said the programme will focus on 10 specific districts with the primary goal of resolving the problem of patient congestion and waiting time at emergency departments.
According to the Kuala Selangor MP, three crucial aspects must be considered when planning and implementing policies as well as programmes related to healthcare, namely capabilities, the intended positive health outcomes and financial sustainability.
“The scheme is undoubtedly beneficial for the people, but it is important to reassess it for the long-term, particularly regarding the intended health outcomes and its financial sustainability.
“With an estimated expenditure of RM1.7 mil a week, the remaining allocation for the scheme is expected to be depleted by the end of April 2024,” he said in a statement.
ProtectHealth Corporation Sdn Bhd in a statement on Feb 27 said the Madani medical scheme has been reduced to the original 10 districts back when it was piloted in June 2023.
The implementation of the scheme will now only focus on 10 districts, namely the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur; Gombak, Hulu Langat, Petaling Jaya, Klang (Selangor); Johor Bahru (Johor); Kinta (Perak); Northeast (Penang Island); Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Kuching (Sarawak).
However, ProtectHealth, a company fully-owned by the Health Ministry which administers the scheme, did not explain the rationale of the downscaling.
“Effective Feb 26, the Madani medical scheme will be refined to focus on certain districts and recipients to increase effectiveness and sustainability, and to maximise the impact of this scheme,” it said in a statement.
Dzulkefly further noted that to ensure the people receive comprehensive healthcare, his ministry has taken the initiative to extend the operation hours of public hospitals and clinics beyond office hours. This involves 75 hospitals and 53 clinics.
The ministry also intends to extend the operation hours during weekends.
He further stated that existing programmes such as the Peka B40 healthcare protection scheme as well as the Madani Afiat scheme would be reassessed.
“This includes proposals to consolidate the programmes with the Madani medical scheme to ensure effectiveness,” he added. – Mar 1, 2024
Main pic credit: DAP Malaysia
