GEORGE TOWN: An independent board has been set up to oversee the MediAsas healthcare plan ahead of its nationwide rollout at the end of January.
The Joint Ministerial Committee on Private Healthcare Costs (JBMKKS) said the board would provide strategic oversight of the plan’s implementation, administration and performance to safeguard public interest and ensure long-term sustainability.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic) said it would bring together healthcare and industry expertise to address rising medical costs while keeping protection accessible.
"Our healthcare reforms must ultimately deliver better outcomes for patients.
"The board will play an important role in ensuring MediAsas remains anchored on this purpose, by bringing together healthcare and industry perspectives to manage healthcare costs more effectively, keep protection accessible and support better care for patients over the long term," he said in a joint statement by the Finance and Health Ministries on Wednesday (Nov 4).
The board will be chaired by Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Norma Mansor, with five other members drawn from the healthcare, insurance, hospital operations and business sectors.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the board would provide the necessary oversight as MediAsas moved from its pilot phase to nationwide implementation.
"As MediAsas moves towards its nationwide launch at the end of January, we are putting in place strong foundations for its success.
"The independent board will provide strategic oversight of its implementation and performance, safeguard the public interest and help ensure the plan remains sustainable over the long term," he said.
Among other measures, Budget 2027 will provide RM40mil to encourage medical coverage among employees of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 75 workers.
Premiums or contributions paid for medical coverage for individuals and their immediate family members will also qualify for income tax relief.
JBMKKS is also developing a standardised billing framework for private hospitals to improve transparency and allow patients to compare common charges more easily.
