KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is studying a proposal to permit Sara aid recipients to channel their benefits towards treatment under the Madani Medical Scheme, says Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
The proposal was raised during the committee-stage debate on the 2026 Supply Bill, when Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) suggested for Sara beneficiaries be given the option to seek treatment at private clinics, expanding the scope of the scheme.
"I will consider the suggestion from Kota Melaka on how Sara recipients could also be made eligible for the Madani Medical Scheme," Lukanisman said in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Nov 18).
He said the government would maintain the scheme despite its allocation being halved from RM100mil to RM50mil.
"Despite the reduction, we will not discontinue the programme.
"We still have proposals and improvements planned, particularly on health financing, which is why we continue to maintain coverage in 10 districts," he said, adding that the scheme requires substantial funding and the ministry is exploring sustainable financing options.
Lukanisman said spending under the scheme had reached RM33.9mil as of Sept 30 and was expected to hit RM50mil by year-end, based on claims submitted by participating clinics.
He added that the ministry was studying whether it was feasible to expand the scheme to more districts and said the Finance Ministry could provide additional allocations if economic conditions improve.
"There has indeed been a reduction in congestion at public hospitals and clinics," he said, adding that the scheme's main goal is to divert patients from public facilities to nearby general practitioners.
