2017 Budget: Government allocates RM25 billion for healthcare

The healthcare sector has been allocated a total of RM25 billion which will include the construction and upgrading of existing public hospitals and medical facilities nationwide.

In tabling the 2017 Budget, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said new hospitals and clinics will be built and upgraded in Perlis, Kuching, Mukah, Jempol, Muar and Johor Bahru.

The government has also allocated some RM4.5 billion to cover the operation costs at 340 1Malaysia clinics, 11 1Malaysia mobile clinics, 959 health clinics and more than 1,800 rural clinics.

A RM20 million loan has been introduced for the private sector and NGO operating non-profit hospitals.

A total of RM80 million has also been allocated to prevent and control diseases such as dengue and Zika.