THE Health Ministry’s allocation under Budget 2026 may be insufficient to meet rising medical costs and expanding manpower needs, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic).
During the winding-up speech for the Health Ministry for Budget 2026 by Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Dr Wee (BN-Ayer Hitam) said the increase in the ministry’s budget was from RM45.7bil for this year to RM46.5bil in 2026.
He added that the RM1.2bil increase would likely be inadequate, given current financial pressures in the healthcare sector.
Dr Wee, who is MCA president, said the government plans to fill 4,500 permanent doctor posts and new nursing positions, on top of a 7% salary increment for civil servants under the Health Ministry.
“This alone could cost at least RM500mil. When we add the wage adjustments for all Health Ministry staff, the amount becomes even higher.
“My concern is that medical inflation is between 12% and 14%. This clearly shows that the additional allocation is not enough,” he said.
Dr Wee expressed worry that financial constraints could push the ministry to look for ways to generate revenue, which might burden the healthcare system and its workforce.
He urged the government to address these issues to ensure uninterrupted health services and protect the access of Malaysians to healthcare.
Responding to Dr Wee’s concerns, Dzulkefly said the matter of budget adequacy should be deliberated more thoroughly during the Special Chamber session.
He reiterated that the decisions involving allocations were determined by the Treasury based on the consolidated funds.
“I need detailed justification for the claim that the allocation is insufficient. That is under the Treasury, not the Health Ministry,” he added.
Dzulkefly said the budget was prepared after full consideration of projected spending needs and suggested that continued engagement would be necessary to refine the ministry’s financial planning.
