BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad

Dr Michael Jeyakumar

He said the scheme had utilised RM78.73 million of its RM100 million allocation as of end February . The remaining amount , which was supposed to last for the entire year , was estimated to finish by April , he informed Parliament .

The Government launched the Madani Medical Scheme on June 15 , 2023 , enabling the B40 group to seek minor treatment at nearby private clinics . Under the Ministry of Health ( MoH ), this pilot initiative targeted acute primary care services for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah ( STR ) recipients and provided healthcare coverage for around 700,000 households .

However , with the funds now depleted , it has underscored the need for careful evaluation and recalibration of the Government ’ s healthcare financing strategies , including the financial sustainability of the Madani Medical Scheme . Malaysia is at a pivotal juncture

in its healthcare journey .

PROPOSING A SUSTAINABLE PATH

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad has acknowledged the impending shortfall and called for a comprehensive review of the Madani Scheme ’ s expenditure and future viability .

In light of these challenges , stakeholders have proposed alternative approaches to healthcare financing , including the expedited implementation of a National Health Insurance Scheme ( NHIS ). Tanjong Karang MP Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi is a vocal proponent of this initiative , citing successful models from countries such as Indonesia and Turkiye .

Dr Zulkafperi ’ s called for a social health insurance scheme administered by a specialised agency under the Prime Minister ’ s Department and reflected a broader consensus on the need for innovative and sustainable healthcare financing mechanisms .

The concept of a NHIS has gained traction in Malaysia , with advocates emphasising the importance of providing individuals with the flexibility to choose between public and private healthcare providers . This move aims to alleviate the strain on public healthcare

facilities while ensuring that quality healthcare services remain accessible to all segments of society .

The proposed NHIS would entail contributions from the Government , employers , and citizens , with targeted subsidies for vulnerable groups to ensure equitable access to healthcare services . By leveraging lessons learned from international best practices and aligning with Malaysia ’ s development goals , the NHIS represents a paradigm shift towards a more inclusive and resilient healthcare system .

LONG TERM SOLUTIONS

Healthcare activist Dr Michael Jeyakumar assessed the efficacy of the Madani Medical Scheme , characterising it as more of a symbolic gesture than a substantive solution to healthcare accessibility .

He said there was a need for a longerterm strategy that involved integrating general practitioners ( GPs ) into managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension . His emphasis on sustainability underscored the importance of implementing interventions that can endure beyond short-term funding cycles .

Dr Jeyakumar , who is Parti Sosialis Malaysia ( PSM ) Chairman , expressed scepticism about the fea-