KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has refuted claims regarding the termination of the Madani Medical Scheme initiative, which involved private general practitioners (GPs).
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the claims of the scheme's termination were due to miscommunication.
He said the scheme had been conducted in 10 selected districts since its introduction on June 15, last year.
The districts are Kuala Lumpur, Gombak, Hulu Langat, Petaling, Klang, Johor Baru, Kinta, Timur Laut, Kota Kinabalu dan Kuching, with its focus on reducing congestion at the ministry's health facilities.
It then expanded to another 11 districts, namely Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Baru, Pasir Mas, Kota Setar, Kuala Muda, Seremban, Kuantan, Melaka Tengah, Perlis and Seberang Perai Tengah, on Aug 8 for the second phase.
It was expanded nationwide to its third phase on Sept 19.
"Starting Feb 26 (this year), the scheme has concentrated its operations by focusing on these 10 districts, to strengthen and improve its operations in reducing patient congestion at the ministry's health facilities, given that congestion at other district facilities has decreased," he said in reply to a question from Datuk Dr Alias Razak (PN-Kuala Nerus).
Alias asked the government's justification for abolishing the scheme at private clinics and only offering the service in 10 designated districts whereas the ministry received an
allocation of RM100 million in the Budget 2024.
Dr Dzulkefly said that out of the RM100 million allocated, RM78.73 million has already been spent, leaving a RM16.2 million balance.
The balance is expected to be exhausted by April.
As such, he called on the public, especially the B40 group, to take advantage of health programmes such as PeKa B40 and Madani Afiat.