Sarawak Launches Health Benefit Scheme for Senior Citizens

New Initiative to Provide Free Medical Treatment

The state of Sarawak in Malaysia has introduced a new healthcare initiative aimed at supporting its elderly population. The Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) scheme will provide free medical treatment worth up to RM500 annually for eligible senior citizens.

Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, the Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, announced that approximately 100,000 senior citizens in Sarawak are expected to benefit from this programme.

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Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

The SCHB scheme has specific eligibility requirements. Fatimah outlined these criteria, stating:

“For applicants to be eligible for SCHB, they must be a Malaysian with an identity card bearing the ‘K’ status; aged 60 years and above; have a monthly household income of RM7,000 or below; and are not receiving outpatient treatment financing or protection from any other agency.”

Senior citizens can verify their eligibility through designated government websites from now until July 22. Following this, applications can be submitted online from July 22 onwards, with results expected within 30 days of application.

Scope of Medical Services

The SCHB initiative covers a wide range of outpatient medical services. Eligible recipients will have access to 168 private clinics, 77 dental clinics, and 13 private hospitals that have been appointed as panels under the scheme.

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Fatimah elaborated on the types of treatments covered:

“They can get treatment for health problems such as fever and cold, headache, diarrhoea and vomiting, sprain, mild skin irritation (allergy or itch), gout, mild trauma such as minor injuries, and so on.”

Dental services are also included in the scheme, covering extractions, fillings, and even dentures, although a minimum charge applies for denture services.

Limitations of the Scheme

While the SCHB offers comprehensive coverage for many common health issues, there are some limitations. The scheme does not cover follow-up treatments for non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes, chronic disease management, certain health screenings, telemedicine services, aesthetic treatments, or ambulance use.

Official Launch and Implementation

The SCHB scheme is set to be officially launched on August 10 in Sibu by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, coinciding with the state-level Women’s Day celebration.

This initiative represents a significant step in Sarawak’s efforts to improve healthcare accessibility for its aging population, potentially benefiting up to 100,000 senior citizens across the state.