Health Ministry gets RM47.7b, 9,000 permanent posts for doctors
PETALING JAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for continuing to prioritise healthcare under Budget 2027, with the Health Ministry receiving RM47.7 billion, an increase of RM1.18 billion from last year.
In a statement today, Dzulkefly said the allocation demonstrated the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services and ensuring Malaysians continued to benefit from quality medical care.
“The Health Ministry records its highest appreciation and gratitude to the Prime Minister for continuing to prioritise the healthcare sector in Budget 2027,” he said.
Of the total allocation, RM40.95 billion was set aside for operating expenditure, up 2.96% from RM39.78 billion in 2026, while RM6.75 billion was allocated for development expenditure, an increase of RM5 million from RM6.74 billion previously.
Among the key initiatives is the offer of 9,000 permanent positions to contract doctors, including those who have successfully completed their housemanship.
Dzulkefly said the ministry would also double the post-basic allowance for 47,000 paramedics and nurses from RM100 to RM200, while the air healthcare service allowance would increase from RM30 to RM100.
Budget 2027 also provides for the construction of nine new healthcare facilities, including health complexes in Johor, Kuching, Gerik and Rembau.
“A total of RM1.2 billion has been allocated for the maintenance and repair of hospitals and health clinics, including upgrading dilapidated clinics and staff quarters, while RM968 million will be channelled towards modern medical equipment, upgrading haemodialysis facilities and procuring 400 new ambulances.
“To ease congestion at healthcare facilities, the allocation for outsourced patient services will increase to RM200 million, covering the use of private healthcare facilities, sessional specialist services and specialised treatments,” he added.
Dzulkefly said the implementation of electronic medical record systems at healthcare facilities nationwide would also continue through a RM1 billion investment by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
“For vulnerable groups, the Medical Assistance Fund will be increased to RM60 million, while RM80 million will be allocated for free health screenings, medical equipment assistance and cancer treatment incentives under the PeKa B40 programme.
“Free thalassaemia screening will also be extended to the spouses and children of thalassaemia carriers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ministry will introduce the affordable MediAsas Plan, with hospital payments based on diagnoses and types of treatment to help Malaysians better plan and manage their healthcare costs.
Dzulkefly said the ministry remained committed to fulfilling its responsibilities to ensure Malaysians continued to benefit from a healthcare system that was “quality, equitable and comprehensive”.
He said the Health Ministry would continue to prioritise access to healthcare for all segments of society, in line with the government’s aim of empowering the people through health and well-being.
