RM120mil for poor to seek treatment at private clinics

 

Overcrowding at public hospitals is a result of insufficient allocations, staff shortages and a lack of facilities, says the health minister.

PETALING JAYA: The government has set aside RM120 million in its 2023 budget to help the poor seek treatment at private clinics, said health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

She said the scheme is a pilot project among measures taken by the government to reduce congestion and waiting time at public hospitals, Bernama reported.

Under this initiative, Zaliha said patients from the B40 low-income group need not go to the emergency department.

“It also includes optimising the outsourcing of patients from overcrowded hospitals to other hospitals including university hospitals, military hospitals and private hospitals,” she said.

The scheme is included in a RM36 billion allocation for the health ministry.

Also included is an allocation for new permanent and contract positions for over 1,500 medical officers, dental officers and pharmacists.

Zaliha had in December said the ministry was drawing up plans to solve the overcrowding at public hospitals. Among the factors contributing to the congestion were insufficient budget allocations, a shortage of health personnel and a lack of facilities to meet patients’ needs. - FMT