Health scheme needs a shot in the arm

Details: Category: FOMCA DI PENTAS MEDIA; Published: 30 May 2019; Created: 30 May 2019

IT is time for the Selangor state government to start addressing the numerous complaints against the Peduli Sihat medical assistance scheme, which has been suspended since the beginning of this month, and rectify the problems plaguing this novel and noble healthcare initiative.

1. The Peduli Sihat cards are not being topped up every year for those who have used up their annual entitlement, which is RM200 for individuals and RM700 for families. How is the topping-up done?

2. There has been a lull in new applications as many of those who had applied for the card last year have yet to receive it. Many have lost their enthusiasm over this medical assistance scheme due to the uncertainty, red tape and waiting period for the applications to be processed. These issues must be resolved quickly.

3. Cards that are ready should be posted to the applicants, as the address and telephone numbers are provided. A lot of cards are currently piled up in the state representatives’ offices because they are not being immediately handed out or collected by the applicants.

4. To prevent over-charging by the panel general practitioners and clinics, it would be better if the card-holder is issued a receipt detailing the cost of the treatment and medicines. A copy of the receipt should be emailed to the relevant department supervising the Peduli Sihat scheme. This monitoring of fees will prevent over-charging and exploitation of this beneficial scheme. It is well known that many doctors are taking advantage of the patients despite severe warning that they could be struck off the Peduli Sihat panel.

5. The number of panel clinics needs to be increased in residential areas to give the people a wider choice.

6. Pharmacies should be included in the scheme, as many people in the B40 group only need medicines for simple ailments and there is no need to go to the clinic in such cases. Pharmacists are as knowledgeable about medicines as GPs, hence there is nothing wrong in cardholders preferring to consult a registered pharmacist.

Medical specialists should be included as well to treat more serious ailments. There should be no cap on the entitlement per visit as medical specialists are bound to charge a higher fee.

V. THOMAS

Sungai Buloh, Selangor