Rabat:The Health Ministry in Malaysia has been allocated RM47.7 billion under Budget 2027. This represents an increase of RM1.18 billion or 2.55 percent from the previous year's budget of RM46.52 billion. The funds are designated to strengthen the healthcare workforce, upgrade facilities, and expand public access to medical services.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that RM40.95 billion of the allocation is earmarked for operating expenditure, marking a 2.96 percent increase from RM39.78 billion in 2026. The remaining RM6.75 billion is allocated for development expenditure, slightly higher than the RM6.74 billion allocated in the previous year.
Key initiatives include offering 9,000 permanent positions to contract doctors, including those completing their housemanship, to strengthen the national healthcare workforce. Additionally, the post-basic incentive for 47,000 paramedics and nurses will be increased from RM100 to RM200 a month, and the air health services incentive will rise from RM30 to RM100.
The budget also provides for the construction of nine new healthcare facilities, including health complexes in Johor, Kuching, Gerik, and Rembau. An allocation of RM1.2 billion is designated for the maintenance and repair of hospitals and health clinics, with an additional RM968 million for modern medical equipment, upgrading haemodialysis facilities, and acquiring 400 new ambulances.
To alleviate congestion at healthcare facilities, the budget for outsourced patient care will be increased to RM200 million. This will expand the scope of services to include private facilities, sessional specialist services, and specialized treatment. Furthermore, a RM1 billion investment by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will continue the implementation of electronic medical record systems at healthcare facilities nationwide.
Support for vulnerable groups includes increasing the Medical Assistance Fund to RM60 million and allocating RM80 million for free health screenings, medical equipment assistance, and cancer treatment incentives under the PeKa B40 scheme. Free thalassemia screening will also be extended to the spouses and children of thalassemia carriers.
The Health Ministry has also launched the affordable MediAsas Plan, offering hospital payments based on diagnosis and treatment to help the public better manage medical expenses. The ministry remains committed to ensuring Malaysians have access to a quality, fair, and comprehensive healthcare system.