Targeted Public Health Subsidy Can Be Implemented - Dr Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the targeted public health subsidy which is being studied is seen feasible with specific algorithms.

He said the targeting of subsidies in the health sector could help generate government revenue since the charges levied at Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities are estimated to be only 10 per cent of the current market charges.

Dzulkefly said the Ministry of Health is ready to conduct a more thorough study on the number of T15 groups who come to receive treatment at the Ministry of Health facilities and determine the appropriate policy for them when receiving treatment at public hospitals.

"In the end, the priority of the Ministry of Health is the provision of fair and equitable treatment in terms of income status," he said when winding-up the debate on Supply Bill 2025 for the Ministry of Health at policy level in Dewan Rakyat today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling Budget 2025 on Oct 18 said targeted subsidy will also involve public health with high income groups contributing to better health services in government hospitals.

Anwar said the savings achieved could be used to fund medical devices for poor patients and upgrade hospital and public clinic equipment.

Regarding the implementation of the Healthier Choice Logo (HCL) programme aimed at helping consumers make healthier choices by choosing foods and drinks that have the HCL logo, Dzulkefly said 791 products had been successfully recognised by HCL as of October.

He said out of that number, 565 were beverage products and 118 were milk and dairy products, while 108 were cereal products, nuts and seeds, sauces, fish products and convenience meals such as packed cold food.

"As a continuation, the Ministry of Health is expanding the HCL programme to the menu of food and drinks provided at food premises, which is the Healthier Dining Programme (MyChoice)," he said.

-- BERNAMA