Health ministry appeals for review of RM3.04 billion cuts to protect essential public healthcare services and staff.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is requesting that proposed spending adjustments and budget cuts involving the ministry be re-evaluated to ensure that core services provided to the public are not compromised.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged the ministry’s appeal to prevent the RM3.04 billion in cuts proposed by the Secretary-General of the Treasury from being implemented as originally planned.
He emphasised that any assessment regarding budget reductions must take into account essential services and the ministry’s human resources.
Dzulkefly stated that he has instructed his Secretary-General and team to immediately submit a counter-proposal.
This includes identifying non-essential areas where cuts could potentially be made, provided they do not involve core services or human resource requirements.
He added that while his preference is for no cuts at all, any necessary reductions must not impact vital services or the welfare of the people, especially regarding necessary medical treatments.
The Minister made these comments during a press conference following a site visit to the Menjalara Health Clinic project today, which was also attended by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Hannah Yeoh.
Dzulkefly assured that these spending cuts would not affect critical development projects or the continuity of healthcare facility construction under the ministry.
Regarding the Menjalara Health Clinic, he shared that the development phase is expected to begin in 2028 with a total cost of RM85.9 million, aiming for completion by January 2032.
Built on a 2.04-acre site, the project is set to benefit approximately 256,000 residents across the Segambut, Batu, and Damansara areas.
The clinic is also expected to alleviate congestion at existing facilities and meet the needs of the Menjalara population, which is estimated at 110,000 people.
