KUALA LUMPUR: The government has spent RM378.8 million on medical needs of pensionable and non-pensionable veterans, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Deputy Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said the amount was from 2020 to date.
He said in 2020, the government spent RM78.8 million, followed by RM111.5 million in 2021; RM105 million in 2022 and RM83.5 to date this year.
"The ministry, via the Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV), consistently prioritises the welfare of veterans, regardless of retirement status.
"In this regard, medical facilities for pensionable retired veterans and eligible dependents are managed via the Health Ministry," he said in response to Nordin Ahmad Ismail (PN-Lumut).
Nordin asked about the amount of allocation that the government needs to bear every year since 2020 to cover the medical costs of pensionable and non-pensionable veterans under JHEV.
As for non-pensionable veterans and eligible dependents, Adly said it was managed by the JHEV.
Among the services provided include the application for reimbursement of medical expenses, including hemodialysis, medications, eyeglasses, hearing aids, implants and orthopaedic devices.
"It also includes emergency treatment at private hospitals or clinics; treatment at the National Heart Institute and assistance for patients' equipment such as wheelchairs, beds and mattresses among others, with a maximum limit of RM5,000.00, along with claims for medical travel expenses for veterans.
"The government is committed to providing sufficient medical allocations to ensure the well-being of all armed forces veterans."