By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, June 28 — The state government has welcomed the formation of a special committee at the federal level to address the rising cost of private healthcare services.
State executive councillor for public health, Jamaliah Jamaluddin, said this aligns with Selangor’s efforts, which include various proactive initiatives to ensure the rakyat, especially those in the lower-income group, receive quality basic healthcare services.
Among these initiatives are the Selangor Saring programme, Bantuan Sihat Selangor, and Iltizam Selangor Sihat, which offers financial aid up to RM500 a year.
"Through these initiatives, the state government remains committed to increasing public awareness on the importance of early detection of diseases and providing free access to quality health screening.
“These measures are hoped to reduce late detection rates and, indirectly, increase patients’ survival rates and chances of recovery,” she said in a statement to Media Selangor.
Jamaliah added that close cooperation between the Federal and state governments can provide comprehensive and sustainable solutions to the rising cost of healthcare.
She said the state government remains committed to strengthening these efforts to ensure that no citizen is left behind in accessing quality and equitable healthcare services.
Last week, the Finance Ministry and Health Ministry announced the formation of the Joint Ministerial Committee on Private Healthcare Costs to address the rising cost of private healthcare services.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad was reported as saying the committee will coordinate various strategic initiatives that are more sustainable and inclusive to deal with these rising costs.
