Health Ministry hopes for zero budget cuts

PETALING JAYA: The government should not impose cuts on the Health Ministry’s budget allocation for 2017 to ensure the public continue to get the best healthcare available.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said despite the current economic climate, he hoped the government would not cut the ministry’s allocation.

“We hope to at least get the budget allocated to us in 2016.

“Nothing less because we cannot afford that,” he said after officiating Getz Healthcare (M) Sdn Bhd’s office, here, yesterday.

When asked on the cost-cutting measures implemented this year, Hilmi said at the moment medical equipment had to be acquired in phases to ease the demand in hospitals.

“In the future, the ministry is also looking at purchasing medical equipment through a leaserental agreement which will result in more money being saved.

“This is because many types of medical equipment including the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, Computerised Tomography (CT) scan machine and ultra sound machines in government hospitals and clinics are at least 10 to 15 years old.

“These machines are either due for replacement or refurbishment,” he said.

The Balik Pulau MP, however, reassured that medicinal supplies are currently not affected.

“The ministry cannot cut down the supply of medicines.

“In terms of value the ministry is currently supplying 50% generic medicines and 50% original medicines to the people,” he said. – by G. Surach