Pahang launches health card for 18,000 senior citizens

ROMPIN: The Pahang government has launched a health card programme for senior citizens in the state, with an annual allocation of RM10mil and involving 18,000 recipients.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail (pic) said on Tuesday (Jan 18) that the programme, worth RM500 per person, will be implemented in two phases.

The first phase involves a total of 9,009 individuals who are recipients of the Social Welfare Department’s Elderly Assistance programme, with immediate effect.

Under the second phase, the remaining recipients will get their health cards in March.

This group would comprise senior citizens identified by district offices as being in need of health assistance.

"Holders of the health cards may seek... medical treatment at 50 private clinics appointed to the panel. This will give them an alternative to seeking treatment at government health facilities,” Wan Rosdy told a press conference after launching the programme at Dewan Jubli Perak Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah here.

Also present was State Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Sallehuddin Ishak.

According to the data provided, Kuantan had the highest number of recipients at 1,829, followed by Temerloh (1,408), Pekan (1,347), Lipis (996) and Bentong (762).

Asked if the number of participating clinics would be increased, Wan Rosdy said that would depend on demand.

"This assistance will be continued in the future and we hope the allocation will be increased so that more senior citizens can benefit from the programme,” he said.

Wan Rosdy also said the launch of the programme showed the state government's commitment to fulfilling the basic needs of its residents of all ages, which is one of the thrusts in the state's 2022 Budget.

Besides health cards for senior citizens, Wan Rosdy also noted two other incentives launched by the state government: Anak Kebanggaan Pahang covering 25,000 newborns this year and involving an allocation of RM5mil; and the Pelajar Kebanggaan Pahang discount card incentive valued at RM4.87mil distributed to 48,711 students in need. – Bernama