Kuala lumpur: Budget 2026 is set to significantly enhance the national healthcare system with a substantial allocation of RM46.5 billion dedicated to development, human resources, and service reform, as announced by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. This allocation marks one of the largest in the history of the Health Ministry (MOH).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkefly expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as Finance Minister, and Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan for the generous allocation. Speaking at the Parliament lobby after the budget presentation in the Dewan Rakyat, Dzulkefly highlighted the focus on human resources, noting the planned integration of 4,500 contract doctors by 2026 and a 40 percent increase in on-call allowances for doctors. This adjustment marks the first rise in the On-Call Duty Allowance (ETAP) in nearly 14 years.
Dzulkefly emphasized the importance of the human resource aspect, stating that the approach taken by the Prime Minister and Finance Minister II reinvigorates healthcare staff, particularly doctors who have not seen an increase in ETAP for years. Additionally, he announced that revenue from sin taxes on cigarettes, alcohol, and tobacco products, as outlined in the Budget, will be allocated to address lung and liver-related diseases, a move he described as unprecedented.
Furthermore, the Health Minister introduced the 'Rakan KKM' initiative, which will offer more personalized and specialist health services. The initiative is expected to welcome its first patients in December, as confirmed by Dzulkefly in response to an inquiry from the Prime Minister.
During the budget presentation, Prime Minister Anwar announced an increased allocation for the Health Ministry, up from RM45.3 billion this year, to ensure quality, equitable, and affordable healthcare services. He also declared an increase in excise duties on tobacco and alcoholic beverages starting November 1, with the additional revenue directed to the Health Ministry.
Budget 2026, themed "Fourth MADANI Budget: A Budget for the People," allocates RM470 billion in public expenditure compared to RM452 billion last year. The budget comprises RM338.2 billion for operating expenditure and RM81 billion for development, along with investments from government-linked investment companies (RM30 billion), public-private partnerships (RM10 billion), and Federal Statutory Bodies and Minister of Finance Incorporated companies (RM10.8 billion).