PETALING JAYA: The government’s move to strengthen collaboration between public and private hospitals, as stated under Budget 2027, would help reduce waiting time and enhance access to treatment, says the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM).
Its president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said the association was encouraged by the increase in the allocation for outsourcing patients to other hospitals to RM200mil as well as plans to allow more flexible sessional arrangements for private-sector specialists by extending the maximum engagement period.
He said APHM had also worked closely with the government to improve billing transparency for patients to better understand the charges of their treatment.
“We are pleased to see this reflected in Budget 2027,” he said in a statement.
Under Budget 2027, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced yesterday that RM200mil would be set aside to outsource patients’ treatment to other hospitals as a way to reduce waiting times for patients particularly at urban hospitals,
The Prime Minister also said that the monthly post incentives for 47,000 paramedics and nurses would also be raised to RM200 in recognition of their demanding responsibilities while the flight allowance for medical personnel involved in airborne health services would go up to RM100.
He said the government will also develop nine new healthcare facilities, including a specialist clinic complex at Hospital Sultanah Aminah in Johor, a dental specialist centre in Kuching, Sarawak, an integrated health complex in Gerik, Perak and an integrated health centre in Rembau, Negri Sembilan.
An allocation of RM1.2bil will go towards the maintenance, upgrading and repair of government hospitals and public clinics.
