Putrajaya: A total of 15 government hospitals are among the initial group slated to benefit from an enhanced allocation of RM1 billion, aimed at bolstering the digital efficiency of the public health sector, according to Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to modernizing healthcare infrastructure, with a focus on implementing the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system and expanding Internet access, including public WiFi, at health clinics and government hospitals.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi-who also serves as the MADANI Government spokesperson-highlighted that the allocation has been increased from the previously announced RM650 million. This boost is intended to expedite the deployment of digital technologies in healthcare settings. Fahmi emphasized the importance of expanding the number of facilities benefiting from this initiative, stating, "Initially, 15 hospitals are expected to be completed, but I will ask that this figure be increased further," and expressed the need to enhance management capabilities across 2,000 health clinics this year.
Fahmi made these remarks following the Prime Minister's National Day Address at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). He cited the pilot implementation of the EMR system at the Padang Besar Health Clinic as a successful model, which has allowed doctors to electronically access patient information, thereby reducing reliance on physical documents and saving time for patients.
In addition, Fahmi mentioned the Ministry of Communications' role in ensuring that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcements regarding various forms of government assistance are effectively communicated to the public. He also alluded to future announcements concerning free subscriptions to artificial intelligence (AI) applications for 100,000 young people aged 18-30, as part of the AI for the People programme.
Earlier, during the Prime Minister's Address on National Day, Anwar unveiled six major initiatives, including the RM1 billion allocation to expedite medical treatment and cut waiting times via the EMR system. Other announcements included restoring the Budi MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) Programme eligibility, increasing e-Invoice exemption thresholds, offering free AI subscriptions to youth, and significant funding boosts for school maintenance, micro-financing, and support grants for traders.