KUALA LUMPUR: A Selangor lawmaker has hailed the government's move to allocate RM100 million for the Health Protection Scheme (PEKA) which will benefit 800,000 individuals in the B40 group.
”It is a very good preventative approach as you help locate and treat illnesses early, which will not only cost less to treat but also helpful in maintaining a productive workforce.
"However, my concern is the sustainability of the programme." said Klang Member of Parliament Charles Santiago when asked to comment about the nationwide health screening programme to be piloted by the Health Ministry.
"Will it be a one-off thing or will it continue over the years?” he asked.
Apart from that, Charles said he welcomed the increase in allocation for Health Ministry, compared to the previous year.
About RM29 billion has been allocated to the Health Ministry, which included a RM10.8 billion allocation to provide medicine and upgrade the quality of health services at clinics and hospitals.
Charles said the allocation should not just be spent on infrastructure but also in securing qualified and good doctors for the public healthcare service.
”The government must also provide sufficient doctors and medicine to people who need it."