KUALA LUMPUR – The Madani Medical Scheme will be extended nationwide with an allocation of RM100 million under Budget 2024, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In tabling the 2024 supply bill in the Dewan Rakyat today, Anwar said that the move is set to benefit 700,000 citizens.
Social protection scheme mySalam has also been extended for another two years, with RM50 million allocated for claims on medical expenses, such as for heart stents.
“To protect the health of citizens, our health services must shift from treating patients to preventing diseases. At least RM130 million has been allocated for health screenings, including those for newborns, as well as providing vaccines for pregnant women,” said the prime minister.
“At the same time, as an effort to curb health risks, an excise duty will be imposed on chewing tobacco products at a rate of 5% and RM27/kg.
“The current excise duty rate for sugary drinks is increased from 40 sen to 50 sen per litre. The revenue from this move will be channelled towards addressing and treating diabetes as well as providing support to dialysis centres.”
The Health Ministry has been allocated RM41.2 billion under Budget 2024, a bump from its RM36.3 billion allocation this year, marking the biggest increase among all ministries. – October 13, 2023