Madani Medical Scheme enters Phase 2, B40 in Terengganu, Kedah start to benefit

KUALA LUMPUR - The B40 group in Terengganu and Kedah including Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) recipients can now get treatment at registered private clinics through the Madani Medical Scheme which has now entered Phase 2.

The initiative introduced by the government during the tabling of Budget 2023 is intended, among other things, to overcome the issue of overcrowdedness at government hospitals.

The implementation of Phase 2 in the two states began this week, involving Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Nerus in Terengganu as well as Kota Setar and Kuala Muda in Kedah.

The Madani Medical Scheme allocates RM250 for each household, RM125 for senior citizens (without spouses), and RM75 for single individuals (RM75), where beneficiaries can continue receiving free treatments until the allocation is exhausted.

In Terengganu, a single mother from Kuala Ibai, Robiatul Adawiyah Zakaria, 39, said the Madani Medical Scheme was proof of the government's seriousness and concern in ensuring that the B40 group receives good health care and treatment at private clinics.

Robiatul Adawiyah said with an RM40-per-day salary, she could not afford to buy health insurance and had to rely on public health facilities to get treatment, especially in times of emergency.

"I work as a restaurant assistant with a daily salary. If I work, I get paid. If I fall sick, the government hospital is my only hope.

"But at night, it's a bit difficult because the government clinic is closed... I have to go to the emergency department (hospital). For cases of non-serious illnesses, you have to wait for a long time, up to three to four hours," she said when met by Bernama.

Zulkifli Yusof, 42, a general worker at a private religious school said the Madani Medical Scheme was a blessing for less fortunate people like him.

As a father of four, he said the cost of living including health care was very high today and needed the government's help to continue surviving.

Meanwhile, in Kedah, a single mother Masriyah Mansor, 62, considers the Madani Medical Scheme of RM125 for senior citizens without a partner as a valuable gift to the elderly.

"I feel happy, we see the government's efforts now to protect the welfare of the people and the fate of the elderly. I hope this assistance will benefit me, God willing," she said.

Meanwhile, Noor Shifa Ahmad, 29, said the medical scheme worth RM75 for individuals would, to some extent help young people like her.

"The biggest and main hospital here is the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) in Alor Setar, if there is medical aid like this, it can at least help reduce congestion at HSB," she said.

The implementation of Phase 2 of the Madani Medical Scheme also includes seven other districts beginning the fourth week of August, namely in Perlis; Kota Bharu and Pasir Mas (Kelantan); Kuantan (Pahang); Melaka Tengah (Melaka); Seremban (Negeri Sembilan); and Seberang Perai Tengah (Penang).

A pilot project of the scheme was previously implemented in 10 districts, namely Johor Bahru (Johor); Kuala Lumpur; Klang, Petaling, Hulu Langat and Gombak (Selangor); Kinta (Perak); North East (Penang); Kuching (Sarawak) and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah). - BERNAMA