By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, June 14 — Selangor consistently champions a health-first approach, promotes healthy living and improves access to healthcare with various initiatives, said state executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
This commitment is evident in the implementation of 11 initiatives under Iltizam Kesihatan Selangor, including the Selangor General Insurance Scheme, Selangor Saring, Selangor Cancer Screening, and Iltizam Selangor Sihat.
Jamaliah was quoted by online health portal CodeBlue as saying in an interview that these programmes aim to foster a healthier population in the state.
“Here in Selangor, we are propelled by the vision to foster a community that is proactive, inclusive and deeply conscious about health.
“Our mission revolves around equipping the people of Selangor with the essential tools, knowledge and resources necessary for preventive healthcare, alongside the early detection and timely intervention of illnesses,” she said.
Jamaliah said Selangor Saring, in particular, is crucial to achieving this goal. The initiative provides free health screening for non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension and cancers.
“Alongside Selangor Cancer, this programme is pivotal in our mission to make early detection services available statewide.
“Our aim is to transition the healthcare paradigm from one that is largely reactive to one that emphasises prevention, enabling us to address diseases at their most manageable stages,” she said.
According to Jamaliah, the state government is looking to expand this programme to all 56 constituencies this year.
Support for the vulnerable
She said Selangor also wants to address mental health, through the Selangor Mental Sihat (Sehat) programme.
The initiative offers early screening services, helplines, subsidies for psychiatric treatment, module development, counsellor training and expert services for Selangor residents in need, all accessible via the Selangkah app.
“Sehat is designed to dismantle the barriers surrounding mental healthcare by offering mental health screening tools, educational materials, helplines and free professional consultations and treatments, including therapy and medications, for those in need.
“These initiatives exemplify just a portion of our public health programmes. Through these efforts, we are dedicated to constructing a robust, healthier Selangor, ensuring our healthcare system remains accessible, responsive and centred on preventive measures.
“We are committed to a health-first ethos, where citizens are empowered with the knowledge, support and resources needed for a healthier life,” she added.
Apart from health schemes that benefit the people, Jamaliah said the state provides financial support through Bantuan Sihat Selangor for treatments like dialysis and cataract surgery, as well as to procure medical equipment for surgery or care needs like wheelchairs.
She said all these were made possible thanks to the availability of a skilled workforce, established infrastructure, and innovation that widened access to healthcare.
“This approach ensures the specific needs and circumstances of our varied population are adequately addressed. Selcare, a state government company that has operated the state’s healthcare programmes since 2017, has been successful in making sure everything goes to plan,” she was quoted as saying.
“This is facilitated by several key factors, including a robust workforce, well-equipped facilities, and technology via the Selangkah app, which enhances the user experience and streamlines the programme’s entire journey.”
Jamaliah said to ensure state health programmes continue to perform, the state government will engage in preliminary discussions with Selcare to preemptively identify and resolve potential issues.
“The state government actively ensures Selcare’s collaboration with agencies like the Selangor State Health Department, local authorities, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations is well coordinated and effective.
