KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has allocated an additional RM500mil to the Health Ministry to contain the spread of Covid-19.
To increase the ministry's capacity, the Government will channel an additional allocation of RM1bil to buy equipment and services, which includes getting specialists services from the private sector, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
To support the ministry's effort to carry out more Covid-19 tests, the insurance and takaful industries will create a special RM8mil fund to bear screening costs of up to RM300 for every policy and medical takaful certificate holder who have been ordered to be screened at private hospitals or laboratories, he said.
Insurance and takaful companies will offer postponement of premium payments or three months' donation for contributors whose incomes were affected as a result of this outbreak, he said.
In appreciation for the sacrifices of doctors, nurses and other medical staff members directly involved in managing and containing the outbreak, the Government will increase their allowance from RM400 to RM600 a month from April 1,2020 until the outbreak ends, said Muhyiddin.
The Government had agreed to give a special allowance to them in the first economic stimulus package.
"I am aware under the current crucial situation, health workers are under a lot of pressure and are tired, but they continue to persevere and continue to embrace the challenges," he said.
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