Budget 2024 places significant emphasis on healthcare sector priorities - Dr Zaliha

KUALA LUMPUR - The Health Ministry will receive a budget increase of 13.45 per cent in Budget 2024, reflecting the government's commitment to improving healthcare services, productivity, and economic well-being.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the RM41.22 billion allocation, which makes up 10.47 per cent of the overall Federal Government Budget for 2024, highlights the government's dedication to enhancing healthcare services, fostering greater productivity, and bolstering the nation's economic prosperity.

"Budget 2024 places a significant emphasis on various healthcare sector priorities, including improving healthcare access through public-private partnerships, digitising healthcare systems, promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing diseases, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and strengthening the healthcare workforce," she told a press conference at Dewan Rakyat here today.

Dr Zaliha said some of the key initiatives in the budget include the Madani Medical Scheme, the outsourcing of patients to private hospitals, and the digitalization of healthcare systems.

"These initiatives are aimed at reducing congestion, improving the quality of healthcare services, and streamlining administrative processes.

"The budget also places a strong focus on disease prevention through numerous programmes and substantial investments in infrastructure improvements, such as the refurbishment of basic facilities, the procurement of medical equipment, and the development of new healthcare facilities," she added.

Dr Zaliha said the budget also extends its appreciation to public servants by offering special salary increases.

"These measures recognise the valuable contributions of public servants to the nation," she said.