THE Health Ministry (MOH) has received the lion’s share of allocations under Budget 2024, with RM41.2 billion provided for it to build several new hospitals.

This is the biggest allocation among ministries under Budget 2024. In Budget 2023, the MoH was allocated RM36.3 billion.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the ministry will undertake several new development projects next year, including:

1. Phase 1 of the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Teaching Hospital Complex in Kota Tinggi, Johor, with a cost of RM938 million.

2. Preliminary work for the construction of Sultanah Aminah 2 Hospital in Johor Bahru.

3. Additional pathology block at Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital, Kelantan, with a cost of RM175 million.

4. Additional emergency and trauma department building at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor.

5. Five new clinics in Rantau, Negri Sembilan; Kuala Tahan, Pahang; Kuala Jengal, Terengganu; and Pulau Mantanani, Sabah, with a cost of RM150 million.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the government supported Sarawak’s aspiration to develop a cancer institute in the state.

Apart from these projects, RM300 million has been allocated in Budget 2024 to repair 400 old clinics that still have wooden structures and outdated wiring.

The government has also provided RM150 million to maintain information technology systems under the MOH, including for the Clinic Management System Subscription in 100 clinics.

RM5.5 billion has been allocated for the procurement of medicines, consumables, reagents and vaccines.

“RM766 million has been provided to replace faulty medical equipment at government hospitals. This includes RM200 million to ensure readiness in providing emergency response services.

“Another RM200 million is to ensure health services are ready to respond to emergency calls,” the prime minister said.

Anwar said the Madani Medical Scheme would be expanded nationwide with an allocation of RM100 million, which would benefit 700,000 people.

The government would continue the mySalam insurance scheme for another two years, he said.

As part of the government’s healthy living campaign, Anwar said Putrajaya would impose a 5% excise duty and an additional RM27 per kg on chewed tobacco products, similar to the excise duty imposed on snuff tobacco.

The current excise duty rate for sugary drinks has been increased from 40 sen to 50 sen per litre. – October 13, 2023.