KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — Health care workers are preparing for reductions in medicine dispensing, treatment regimen changes, and allowance cuts as the government prepares to slash its current health budget by RM4.65 billion, according to reports.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has acknowledged the budget constraints but emphasized that essential services will be maintained. The cuts are part of broader fiscal consolidation efforts, though specific details on which programs will be affected remain unclear.
Medical associations have expressed concern that the reductions could strain an already overburdened public health system, particularly in rural areas. The government has yet to announce a timeline for the implementation of the cuts.
