MOST Malaysians think that the process of securing government aid involves many layers of bureaucratic red tape. I was one of them – until I brought my mum to a private clinic in Gombak for consultation for her fever and cough under the Madani Medical Scheme.
For those who have not heard, the scheme is offered by the current government to the B40 to seek treatment in selected private clinics. As my mum is categorised as B40, she’s eligible for the scheme, where each household can get treatment (including medication) for up to RM250 until December 31 this year.
When I went into the clinic near my mum’s house, all that was required was her MyKad. After a simple verification exercise, we were told that my mum was eligible. We did not have to jump through any bureaucratic hoops and the whole process was simple.
As that was her first treatment in a private GP, she could still visit the private clinic and use up the balance of her household’s RM250 quota until the end of the year (but of course we are not hoping that she would fall sick!).
The scheme makes it more convenient for people like my mum to get medical treatment. Prior to this, she would visit a Klinik Kesihatan nearby and these places are notorious for being crowded.
Further, as the public health clinic near her house operates only during office hours, one of her kids or family members would need to take time off from work to bring her there. But with the Madani Medical Scheme, she could visit participating private clinics, many of which are open until late at night. Best of all, treatment, including medication, is free!
Anyway, I think many Malaysians are still not aware of this scheme and I hope to be able to raise public awareness on this with this article. It’s an innovative and helpful scheme and eligible Malaysians must seize the opportunity given by this Madani government.
On that note, I hope that the government will extend this scheme beyond this year and expand the coverage so that more Malaysians can enjoy this wonderful benefit. I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa and her team in MoH for a job well done! – The Vibes, August 1, 2023
Mohd Ariffin Mohd Izam is a reader of The Vibes
