IPOH, Oct 1 — The Madani Medical Scheme has benefited 112,887 households in the B40 group since it was introduced three months ago.
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the scheme has received very positive and encouraging responses from the group, with 181,460 outpatient treatments provided so far.
“According to the demographic data, the beneficiaries consist of various age groups, including children, adults and the elderly, proving that the MADANI Medical Scheme benefits people from all walks of life.
“Since its inception, a total of 1,587 private clinics have registered and provided services under this scheme,” she said in her speech at the launch of the national Madani Medical Scheme and Madani Afiat Programme 2023 at Dataran Sultan Azlan Shah earlier today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the event.
Dr Zaliha said the Ministry of Health (MOH) will strive to improve the scheme by considering input and suggestions from various parties.
Among the improvements made were adding more types of medicines that can be prescribed and increasing funding for private clinics to include the cost of procedures and X-rays.
“The MOH will also re-evaluate the scope of services, such as dentistry, that can be provided under the scheme from time to time to ensure that they meet the health needs of the people,” she said.
Meanwhile, as an effort towards the digitalisation of healthcare services, ProtectHealth has developed a mobile app which allows patients to, among other things, check their eligibility check, search for participating panel clinics, and check the balance of benefits under the scheme.
Dr Zaliha said the service has been further simplified by only requiring eligible patients to bring their identity cards to any registered clinic.
“Patients can also check their eligibility through the MySejahtera application,” she added.
The Madani Medical Scheme is offered automatically to Rahmah Cash Aid recipients, giving them easy and quick access to free services at any registered private clinic.
The services offered are comprehensive, including consultations, examinations, medications, procedures and referrals.
The government fully covers the treatment costs at private clinics to strengthen the healthcare safety net and help alleviate the financial burden on people.
On the Madani Afiat Programme, which has been implemented in Selangor, Kedah, Terengganu and Johor, the minister said the key programmes included ‘Touch Point’ activities such as house-to-house visits that provide an opportunity for the ministry’s top management, community leaders and medical teams to engage with the community.
“A total of 2,049 residents, aged 18 and above, have been screened through this programme that was implemented previously,” she said.
— Bernama
