KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 — The B40 group in Terengganu and Kedah including Rahmah Cash Aid recipients can now get treatment at registered private clinics through the Madani Medical Scheme which has now entered Phase 2.
The initiative introduced by the government during the tabling of Budget 2023 is intended, among other things, to overcome the issue of overcrowding at government hospitals.
The implementation of Phase 2 in the two states began this week, involving Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Nerus in Terengganu as well as Kota Setar and Kuala Muda in Kedah.
The Madani Medical Scheme allocates RM250 for each household, RM125 for senior citizens without spouses and RM75 for single individuals and allows beneficiaries to continue to receive free treatments until the allocation is exhausted.
In Terengganu, a single mother from Kuala Ibai, Robiatul Adawiyah Zakaria, 39, said the medical Scheme was proof of the government’s seriousness and concern in ensuring that the B40 group receives good healthcare and treatment at private clinics.
She added that with an RM40-a-day salary, she could not afford to buy health insurance and had to rely on public healthcare facilities to get treatment, especially in times of emergency.
“I work as a restaurant assistant with a daily salary. If I work, I get paid. If I fall sick, the government hospital is my only hope.
“But at night, it’s a bit difficult because the government clinic is closed. I have to go to the emergency department at the hospital. For cases of non-serious illnesses, you have to wait for a long time, (sometimes the wait can be between) three and four hours.”
Zulkifli Yusof, 42, a general worker at a private religious school said the Madani Medical Scheme was a blessing for the less fortunate like him.
As a father of four, he said the cost of living, including healthcare, was very high and he needed the government’s help to continue to provide for the family.
Meanwhile, in Kedah, single mother Masriyah Mansor, 62, considers the Madani Medical Scheme of RM125 for senior citizens without a partner a valuable gift to the elderly.
“I feel happy, we see the government’s efforts to protect the welfare of the people especially the elderly. I hope this assistance will benefit me,”
Meanwhile, Noor Shifa Ahmad, 29, said the medical scheme worth RM75 for individuals would, help young people like her to some extent.
“The biggest hospital here is the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar, if there is medical aid like this, it can at least help reduce congestion at the hospital.”
The implementation of Phase 2 of the Madani Medical Scheme also includes seven other districts beginning the fourth week of August, namely in Perlis; Kota Bharu and Pasir Mas in Kelantan, Kuantan in Pahang, Central Malacca in Malacca, Seremban in Negeri Sembilan and Central Seberang Perai in Penang.
A pilot project of the scheme was previously implemented in 10 districts, namely Johor Bahru in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Klang, Petaling, Hulu Langat and Gombak in Selangor, Kinta in Perak, North East in Penang, Kuching in Sarawak and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah
— Bernama
