Public banking on proposed medical scheme

The Star: THE introduction of the National Health Financing scheme under the Ninth Malaysian Plan is a great benefit for Malaysians who do not have medical insurance.
With a mechanism similar to the EPF, a percentage will be deducted from a working person’s salary and channelled to the health scheme. Contributors can then apply for coverage under the scheme when seeking treatment at hospitals.
Azizah Md Kasah, 25, said there should be transparency so that the public will know how the funds will be disbursed.
The administration assistant also hopes that, for married couples, only one spouse needs to contribute.Kamarul Azmy Safarudin, 34, felt that higher allocations should be given to building more hospitals and clinics.
“The facilities are still insufficient judging from the long queues at general hospitals. The public healthcare services can’t fulfil the public’s needs,” said the private assistant for lawyers.
Sales personnel Azahari Shahari is all for the scheme.
“The Government can deduct from my income as long as the funds are kept for my healthcare,” the 42-year-old said.
On the Government’s move to enhance the public service delivery system by reducing red tape, Azahari said it was a long overdue move.
“I had to wait from 6.30am till 11am just to apply for MyKad. Then two months before I could collect it. Two months is way too long,” he said.
University student Chong Wyxiang, 18, said: “In the end it depends on the attitude of the people serving the public. If they are unmotivated, things will be the same.”
Retired lecturer Angela Jessie, 57, said any plan to improve the delivery system should include more transparency in local authorities, to ensure that benefits reach all citizens and not just “the ones on top”.
The oft-criticised public transport system will be getting a substantial amount to extend the LRT and Komuter services.
“I hope the Government gets it right this time,” said general manager Lim Moon Hing, 54.
As for 39-year-old event organiser Adrian Danker, he hopes that whatever grand plans the Government has must not just be seen, but also be felt by the people.
He urged the Government to double efforts to bring home the “brains” of Malaysia so that they can do their part for the country.