In the ongoing parliamentary discussions and media coverage regarding the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) efforts to refine the Madani Medical Scheme (SPM), the predominant focus appears to be on the financial capacity in sustaining nationwide implementation.
However, the MOH encourages a nuanced perspective, urging consideration of the original objectives of the scheme and the broader health care enhancement initiatives concurrently undertaken by the MOH.
Launched as a pilot project on June 15, 2023, SPM aimed to ease patient congestion, particularly in green zones at emergency departments (EDs) within MOH hospitals.
Over 1.57 million Malaysians in the B40 category nationwide have received treatment from general practitioners (GPs) under this programme until late February 2024, with the government covering all treatment costs.
The programme, facilitated by ProtectHealth Corporation, a corporate entity wholly owned by the MOH, has successfully mitigated hospital congestion to a considerable extent.
Nevertheless, it is also crucial not to overlook various initiatives taken by MOH during the SPM implementation period. Most public health clinics (KKs) across Malaysia have enhanced the capacity of existing extended-hour services, operating until 9.30pm on weekdays and from 9.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays.
Six selected KKs also continue to provide additional half-day services on Sundays and public holidays, building on the Special Task Force on Agency Reform (STAR) project.
Simultaneously, the MOH has consolidated hospital ED services, strategically mobilising health care staff to bolster ED workforces.
As a result of these multipronged strategies, over 95 per cent of public hospitals have successfully provided medical care to at least 70 per cent of green zone patients within two hours, meeting the 100-day key performance indicator set for the health minister.
While health care efficiency in MOH facilities has significantly improved, the refinement of the SPM is now deemed necessary to pursue cost effectiveness.
Therefore, starting from February 26, 2024, ProtectHealth Corporation has initiated the SPM refinement, prioritising specific districts based on the magnitude of patient congestion and ED traffic.
ProtectHealth Corporation is also diligently working to ensure a seamless transition, creating awareness among public and registered clinics regarding this matter and settling outstanding claims for patients who have received treatment.
More importantly, the refinement of SPM is not intended to restrict patient access to medical care but rather to ensure judicious resource use, enhancing the project’s effectiveness and sustainability.
The selection of districts for the SPM implementation will also reflect equitable resource distribution, without marginalising semi-rural states, including those located on the East Coast, Northern, and East Malaysia.
Patients with minor ailments outside the selected districts can continue to seek care from KKs and hospital green zones, where prolonged waiting times are typically not an issue.
Taking this opportunity, the MOH extends our sincere appreciation to all GPs for their active participation in SPM. Aligned with the spirit of the Health White Paper, we are committed to strengthening public-private partnerships in many aspects.
As we fine-tune the project, we also value the cooperation and understanding of Malaysians, who recognise the importance of optimal resource utilisation in health care and support in driving health care transformation alongside the MOH.
Dzulkefly Ahmad is the Minister of Health.
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