Selangor Journal: RM59 mln allocation proves state’s commitment to public health initiatives

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SHAH ALAM, Nov 13 — The substantial allocation of RM59.7 million under the 2024 Selangor Budget for public health initiatives signifies the state government’s commitment in enhancing the state’s health action plan.

Selangor public health advisor Dr Mohammad Farhan Rusli said the allocation is a clear reflection of the state’s care and concern for the well-being of its people.

He said the RM35 million funding for the Iltizam Selangor Sihat (ISS) programme, in particular, is set to facilitate immediate access to treatments at private clinics, reflecting the state’s forward-thinking approach to healthcare.

“This initiative, which has since been adapted at the federal level through the Madani Medical Scheme, showcases the success and vision behind Selangor’s health policies,” he told Selangorkini.

Dr Farhan added that the expansive agenda for public health in Selangor next year also focuses on existing initiatives like the Anak Selangor Anak Sihat programme, as well as eye, mental health, and heart treatments.

Additionally, the state continues to focus on battling non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol, a critical concern despite not being specifically mentioned in the budget, he said.

Last Friday, when tabling the state budget, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari had said the ISS initiative would be continued next year with a RM35 million allocation, providing benefits to 100,000 policyholders and approximately 150,000 family members.

ISS policy holders are qualified to receive basic treatments and vaccinations, capped at RM500 per family and RM250 for individuals annually, accessible across panel clinics in Selangor.

Among the other key highlights on health from the budget announcement include:

• hospitalisation coverage under ISS, with a annual limit of RM10,000 per beneficiary at designated hospitals;
• critical illness and natural death benefits of RM5,000; and
• RM5 million for the Sihat Selangor Assistance (BSS)

Meanwhile, Dr Farhan said the state’s free health screening programme will continue next year, with a greater focus on mobile outreach.

He said this new approach is to ensure more residents benefit from the Selangor Saring initiative, including those residing in rural areas.

“What we want to see next year is an improved approach and implementation. We want the programme to be expanded. If possible, we don’t want to organise at the same places for the same people.

Dr Farhan said a huge portion of this year’s allocation was used to conduct the programme based on the request of state representatives and residential bodies of low cost housings, particularly after the dissolution of the state assembly.

“When we organised it at the state constituency level, we couldn’t enter a lot of places, especially rural areas. That’s why next year we want to focus on mobile outreach.”