By Ashwin Kumar
KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 — Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has announced an additional allocation for the Health Ministry (MOH) in the comprehensive economic stimulus package, on top of the previously RM500 million announced funds.
In a special address today, he said the government is adding in more funds for the MOH to purchase medical supplies and services, including roping in medical expertise from the private health sectors.
“In the initial economic stimulus package announced, the government has agreed to give special allowance to doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers who are directly involved in the management and containment of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I am aware that in these difficult situations, our healthcare workers are working tirelessly and in stressful conditions. And yet they continue to face these challenges,” he said in his address aired on television and social media platforms.
The funds that have been allocated for the ministry are as follow:
- An additional allocation of RM1 billion to acquire the necessary equipment and services.
- Special allowances for doctors, nurses and health workers on the front line of RM400 to RM600 per month would continue from April 1 until the crisis is resolved.
- Special RM8 million fund created by the insurance and takaful industry to bear the screening costs of policy and medical takaful insurance holders at private hospitals and laboratories at RM300 per person.
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said that the special allowance of RM200 allocated for army, police, customs and Rela personnel that are involved in the frontline would continue.
