Budget 2023: the Ministry of Health proposes six new initiatives
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health has submitted a request for six new initiatives totaling RM3.4 billion to the Ministry of Finance to be included in the 2023 budget, which will be tabled on October 7.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (pictured) said the bid was presented during an engagement session with Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz on August 30.
“The six new initiatives proposed are Strengthening the Health and Welfare Programme, with an estimated budget of RM738 million; Improving and Repairing Ministry Health Facilities (RM791.5 million); and improving the efficiency of health care (RM850 million).
“It also includes replacement of critical and obsolete medical assets (RM400mil); digitization of health services (RM460mil); and appreciation incentives for medical staff (RM183mil), he told reporters during from the interview “A successful year as Minister of Health” here recently.
Khairy said the request for improvement and repair of health facilities from the ministry was made because there were 2,732 government clinics in a neglected state, but still functioning to provide health services to the public.
“For the ministry, good health requires adequate and functional health facilities.
“It saddens me to see the conditions in many of our public clinics, especially those in rural areas including Sabah and Sarawak.
“Therefore, I have requested a special budget from the Ministry of Finance to be approved in the 2023 budget.
“This includes upgrading building infrastructure and replacing medical equipment,” he said.
Khairy said the Ministry of Health was extremely grateful to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Tengku Zafrul and all Malaysians who support the proposal to increase the ministry’s allocation to 5% of proceeds. gross domestic (GDP) compared to the current 2.10% of GDP.
He said the ministry’s request was rational as it would help provide services to always keep Malaysians healthy and give the best treatment to those who are sick.
“However, the ministry is also aware that if this request is approved, it does not mean that we will implement it next year.
“Maybe it can take up to five years, and we also understand the financial situation in the country.
“But I think this issue can be implemented, for example, by increasing revenue collection or re-rationalizing the allocation, including rationalizing the oil subsidy to targeted groups,” he said. he declares. – Bernama
