KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor’s Budget 2024 saw a slight reduction in fund allocations for healthcare, with a total of RM59.7 million allocated, compared to RM65.6 million for 2023.
However, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced an allocation of RM3.2 million for the Selangor Saring programme, an increase from the RM2.5 million allocated this year.
The programme includes screenings for three types of non-contagious diseases, including heart and kidney diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, as well as eye health. Cancer screenings cover breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancers.
Amirudin added that the state government will continue the Iltizam Selangor Sihat insurance programme with an allocation of RM35 million, set to benefit about 100,000 policyholders and 150,000 registered families.
This includes hospitalisation benefits amounting to RM10,000, as well as basic medication and vaccination of RM500 and RM250 for families and individuals, respectively.
The programme also covers takaful protection including critical illness and natural death benefits of RM5,000 each.
The state government is also maintaining its allocation of RM5 million for the Bantuan Sihat Selangor scheme, which was introduced in 2009. It provides the underprivileged with financial aid of up to RM5,000 for treatments including dialysis, cataract surgery, minor surgeries and cancer treatment, as well as for transportation allowances and medical equipment.
Meanwhile, Amirudin said the state government is also continuing the Selangor Heart Treatment Scheme, which provides financial aid of up to RM50,000 to eligible groups, with a total allocation of RM5 million.
Selangor’s Budget 2024 sees a total of RM2.53 billion in allocations proposed for the state. This is an increase of RM80 million from the previous year. – November 10, 2023