The Health Ministry will allocate RM1.2 billion for hospital and clinic maintenance and repairs, RM968 million for medical equipment and 400 new ambulances, and RM200 million for outsourced patient services under Budget 2027 as it seeks to improve healthcare facilities and ease congestion.
The ministry received RM47.7 billion for 2027, an increase of RM1.18 billion from RM46.52 billion in 2026. Of the total, RM40.95 billion is allocated for operating expenditure, up 2.96%, while RM6.75 billion is set aside for development expenditure, a marginal increase from RM6.74 billion.
The RM1.2 billion maintenance allocation will cover hospital and health clinic repairs, including the upgrading of dilapidated clinics and staff quarters. Another RM968 million will fund modern medical equipment, upgrades to haemodialysis facilities and the procurement of 400 ambulances.
The ministry will also build nine new healthcare facilities, including health complexes in Johor, Kuching, Gerik and Rembau.
To reduce congestion at public facilities, the RM200 million allocation for outsourced patient services will support a wider range of services, including treatment at private facilities, sessional specialist services and specialised care. The nationwide implementation of electronic medical records will continue with a RM1 billion investment by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
Budget 2027 also provides for healthcare workforce measures, including 9,000 permanent positions for contract doctors, including those who have completed housemanship. The post-basic allowance for 47,000 paramedics and nurses will double from RM100 to RM200, while the air healthcare service allowance will rise from RM30 to RM100.
For vulnerable groups, the Medical Assistance Fund will increase to RM60 million, while RM80 million will support 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.
The ministry will also introduce the MediAsas Plan, an affordable health protection scheme with hospital payments based on diagnosis and treatment types, intended to help Malaysians better plan and manage healthcare costs.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry remained committed to providing quality, equitable and comprehensive healthcare services to Malaysians.
