Good response to free medical services from govt, says Zaliha

IPOH: The free medical services offered by the government three months ago through the Madani Medical Scheme have received an encouraging response, says Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

The Health Minister said until Sept 29, a total of 112,887 households had benefited from the scheme, with 181,460 patients receiving outpatient treatments.

She said since the implementation of the scheme, a total of 1,587 private clinics had registered and provided services.

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“The involvement of private clinics is very encouraging, as this shows not only is the government committed, but also private clinics can act as strategic partners in providing access to quality health services for the community,” she said in her speech at the launch of the Madani Medical Scheme and the national-level Madani Afiat programme.

The event was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday at the Sultan Azlan Shah roundabout in Meru here.

The medical scheme is part of the government’s initiatives to reduce overcrowding at government hospitals and to assist the B40 (lower income) group in obtaining acute primary care services or outpatient treatment at nearby clinics of private general practitioners (GPs).

Dr Zaliha added that in line with the Madani economy agenda, which emphasises inclusivity and social well-being, the government had allocated RM100mil for the implementation of the scheme for this year.

“I hope that this scheme will continue next year so that more people can enjoy the benefits,” she added.