For the good of the people: Senator calls on govt to take bold, fearless steps in implementing national health insurance scheme

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — The government has been urged to act boldly and without fear of political threats to implement the national health insurance scheme, for the good of the people as a whole.

Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli said that the scheme, if established, could help patients obtain healthcare services more effectively, especially for treatment cases that require long waiting periods such as radiotherapy, organ transplants or referrals for heart cases to specialist clinics.

He said this is because through the scheme, patient healthcare funds can be collected with part being contributed by the government, while the rest is obtained by requiring the people to contribute, similar to the Employees Provident Fund and the Social Security Organisation.

“In terms of implementing an initiative, such as rationalising diesel subsidies, there are indeed political risks and grievances, but the government’s courageous action has ultimately saved the people’s money from being channelled to those who do not deserve it.

“Therefore, in the case of this insurance scheme, its form has been studied for a long time, so I hope that today’s government has the political will to implement it by looking at its positive impact on the people, without being afraid of political threats,” he said in the debate session on the Supply Bill 2025 at the Dewan Negara today.