Budget 2017: RM25bil for healthcare programmes

PETALING JAYA: A total of RM25bil has been allocated for healthcare programmes under Budget 2017, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.  

Speaking before the Dewan Rakyat on Friday, Najib said the funds would go towards the building of new hospitals and clinics in Perlis, Kuching, Mukah, Jempol, Muar and Johor Baru.   

He added that RM536mil would be allocated for the upgrading of hospital facilities nationwide.   

"RM4.5bil will be allocated for the operations of 340 1Malaysia Clinics,11 1Malaysia Mobile Clinics, 959 health clinics and 1,800 existing rural clinics," said Najib.   

He also said that RM4bil would be allocated for supply of drugs, consumables, vaccines and reagents to all Government hospitals and health facilities.  

"The Government will cooperate with the private sector and non-governmental organisations to operate non-profit charitable hospitals based on Government hospital rates," said Najib.  

He added that the Government will provide one-off grants worth RM200,000 for the purchase of haemodialysis equipment, with a total allocation of RM40mil.  

"The Government views contagious diseases such as dengue and Zika seriously and will implement initiatives to prevent and control these diseases," said Najib.