KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 — The Madani Medical Scheme, introduced in June this year, has been lauded for the cost and time-saving benefits it offers to people from all walks of life.
For retiree Lim Chia Seng, 67, the scheme enables him to go to a clinic less than a kilometre (km) away from his home in Kampung Baru Gunung Rapat, Ipoh.
“I no longer need to travel to the city centre for my monthly health check-up. Even better, it is free, so the medical scheme is a real lifesaver as (private) clinics can be quite costly,” he told Bernama when contacted.
Echoing the same sentiment, Michael Louis, 32, from Sabah, who works as an electrical technician in the Federal capital, said the scheme effectively served its purpose of helping patients with mild symptoms like flu and fever, thus reducing overcrowding at public health facilities.
“I always go to a public health clinic whenever I feel under the weather because it is more affordable despite the long queue. I was so relieved when the medical scheme was introduced because now, I can just go to any nearby clinic without fearing the need to spend more than I can afford,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kevin Lester, 41, from Penang, said the Madani Medical Scheme needs to be expanded even further to cover people from different income groups, as the increasing cost of living nowadays affects not just the B40 group.
“If my children fall sick, I will always bring them to a private clinic because it is easier and faster. As such, I do hope the government will consider putting the M40 group into this medical scheme,” said the single father of three who works as a computer engineer.
On October 1, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said 1,587 private clinics have registered and provided service under the Madani Medical Scheme, benefitting 112,887 households in the B40 group since it was introduced three months ago.
The Madani Medical Scheme was first announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2023 last February.
It is offered automatically to Rahmah Cash Aid recipients, giving them easy and quick access to free services at any registered private clinic, including consultations, examinations, medications, procedures and referrals.
Further information on the Madani Medical Scheme, including eligibility status and the list of panel clinics, can be obtained at the ProtectHealth website, or by contacting 03-8687 2525.
— Bernama
