JOHOR BARU: The recently launched Madani Medical Scheme is anticipated to alleviate some of the strain on the currently overwhelmed public healthcare sector.
State Health and Unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the scheme would enable Rahmah Cash Aid recipients to receive medical treatment at 33 registered private general practitioners in Johor Baru.
Johor Baru was selected as one of the 10 districts nationwide to participate in the medical scheme's pilot programme.
"The district, with its high population density and very busy two main government hospitals, namely the Hospital Sultanah Aminah and Hospital Sultan Ismail, stand to benefit from this initiative," said Ling, adding that it would also reduce congestion at public healthcare facilities due to manpower shortages.
He said Madani Medical Scheme's objective was to provide acute primary care services and outpatient treatment for acute cases to those in the B40 group.
The Rahmah Cash Aid recipients only need to present their Mykad identification card at any ProtectHealth-registered private clinics to receive free acute primary care healthcare services.
The unity government plans to periodically update the list of participating general practitioners to extend the benefits of the initiative to more recipients.
The scheme was officially launched on June 15 and will run until Dec 31. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that the initiative aimed to benefit 700,000 households, with an allocation of RM100 million.
Under the Madani Medical Scheme, eligible Rahmah Cash Aid recipients can access free services such as consultations, check-ups, medications, procedures, and referrals as outlined in the specified package. Outpatient treatment for acute cases includes conditions such as flu, diarrhoea, vomiting, sprains, headaches, minor trauma, and other illnesses.
Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the recipients and their dependents need not pre-register for the scheme. They simply need to bring their identification card when seeking treatment at general practitioners registered under the Madani Medical Scheme.To check eligibility for the scheme, recipients can visit the website at https://protecthealth.com.my/skimperubatanmadani/.