Dzulkefly said the programme will focus on 10 specific districts with the primary goal of reducing patient congestion and waiting time at emergency departments.
He said that in planning and implementing policies as well as programmes related to healthcare, three important aspects must be considered: capabilities, the intended positive health outcomes, and financial sustainability.
“The scheme is undoubtedly beneficial for the people, but it is important to reassess it for the long-term, particularly regarding the intended health outcomes and its financial sustainability.
“With an estimated expenditure of RM1.7 million a week, the remaining allocation for the scheme is expected to be depleted by the end of April 2024,” he said in a statement.
Earlier this week, ProtectHealth Corporation Sdn Bhd said the Madani medical scheme has been reduced to the original 10 districts back when it was piloted in June 2023.
ProtectHealth, a company fully-owned by the health ministry which administers the scheme, did not explain the rationale of the downscaling.
“Effective Feb 26, the Madani medical scheme will be refined to focus on certain districts and recipients to increase effectiveness and sustainability, and to maximise the impact of this scheme,” it said in a statement.
Implementation of the scheme will now only focus on 10 districts: Kuala Lumpur; Gombak, Hulu Langat, Petaling and Klang in Selangor; Johor Bahru (Johor); Kinta (Perak); Northeast (Penang); Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Kuching (Sarawak).
These are the same 10 districts where the scheme first piloted last June 15, before expansion to 11 additional districts in August and the nationwide expansion in September.
Dzulkefly said that to ensure the people receive comprehensive healthcare, the ministry has taken the initiative to extend the operation hours of public hospitals and clinics beyond office hours. This involves 75 hospitals and 53 clinics.
The ministry also intends to extend the operation hours during weekends.
He also said existing programmes such as the Peka B40 healthcare protection scheme and the Madani Afiat scheme would be reassessed.
“This includes proposals to consolidate the programmes with the Madani medical scheme to ensure effectiveness,” he said.