The refinement of the Madani Medical Scheme is not intended to restrict patient access to medical care but to ensure judicious use of resources and enhance the project’s effectiveness and sustainability, said Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.

In a statement today, he said while healthcare efficiency in Health Ministry facilities significantly improves, the refinement of the scheme is now deemed necessary to pursue cost-effectiveness.

The programme, facilitated by ProtectHealth Corporation (ProtectHealth), was launched as a pilot project on June 15 last year and aims to ease patient congestion, particularly in green zones at emergency departments (EDs) within Health Ministry hospitals.

“Nevertheless, it is also crucial not to overlook various initiatives taken by the ministry during the scheme’s implementation period.

“Most public health clinics nationwide have enhanced the capacity of existing extended-hour services, operating until 9.30pm on weekdays and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

“Six selected clinics also continue to provide additional half-day services on Sundays and public holidays, building on the Special Task Force on Agency Reform project,” he said.

Dzulkefly added that simultaneously, the ministry has consolidated hospital ED services, strategically mobilising healthcare staff to bolster ED workforces.

Yesterday, Dzulkefly said the government’s decision to refocus the scheme on only 10 districts as in phase one of the scheme started on Monday (Feb 26) after taking into account the sustainability of the government's current financial funding.

Equitable resource distribution

ProtectHealth stated in a statement on Feb 27 that the 10 districts are Kuala Lumpur; Gombak, Hulu Langat, Petaling Jaya, Klang (Selangor); Johor Bahru (Johor); Kinta (Perak); Timur Lau (Penang Island); Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Kuching (Sarawak).

Dzulkefly further elaborated that the selection of districts for the scheme’s implementation would also reflect equitable resource distribution without marginalising the semi-rural states including those in the east coast, northern, and East Malaysia.

“Patients with minor ailments outside the selected districts can continue to seek care from public health clinics and hospital green zones, where prolonged waiting times are typically not an issue,” he said.

He also extends the ministry’s sincere appreciation to all general practitioners for their active participation in the scheme.

“Aligned with the Health White Paper's spirit, we are committed to strengthening public-private partnerships in many aspects,” he said.

- Bernama

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