PM: Medical aid rules can be relaxed, but follow procedures

The Star: PUTRAJAYA: Rules regulating the disbursement of government financial aid for patients can be relaxed but the people must comply with the required procedures, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
He said the ministry could improve on and relax the conditions to get financial assistance under the Medical Aid Fund “if the move can facilitate more patients to enjoy the facility.”
The Prime Minister was asked about problems faced by patients and their families in getting financial assistance from the fund.
“If it’s really difficult, then we need to take action to ease the difficulties.
“But if the people do no want to follow procedures, then it will be difficult for them,” he said at the Internal Security Ministry monthly gathering here yesterday.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek had disclosed recently that RM18mil of the RM25mil from three medical funds for last year had not been utilised.
A month ago, Dr Chua announced plans to establish a Medical Assistance Fund which will have less red tape.
In Kuala Lumpur, PAS suggested that a special committee comprising Health Ministry officials, the Backbenchers Club, opposition parties, workers' unions and consumer groups look into procedures in disbursing money under the fund.
“If a person is earning RM2,000 a month and he has a chronically ill child whose medical care would cost RM200,000, there’s no way he can afford this,” PAS committee member Mahfuz Omar told a press conference.
“So we need to re-define the status of poverty and eligibility.”