The Ministry of Health (MoH) reaffirmed that no patient will be denied treatment due to financial constraints, as measures remain in place to support those unable to afford medical care, said Minister of Health Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar.

Responding to a query from Legislative Council (LegOo) member Yang Berhormat Zainol bin Haji Mohamed, the minister said hospitals will assess a patient’s financial situation before determining payment options and those who can’t pay will be referred to Medical Social Services for assistance.

Yang Berhormat Zainol also asked the minister to outline plans for establishing community rehabilitation centres or continuous care support for patients.

The minister responded that the MoH is planning to expand community-based rehabilitation and long-term care services to reduce reliance on hospitals and ensure continuity of care.

LegCo member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee meanwhile asked the minister whether the ministry would consider expanding access to selected mental health medications to private pharmacies or clinics, particularly for patients requiring alternative or long-term treatment beyond first line therapy. The minister stated that mental health conditions require thorough assessment for accurate diagnosis and safe treat-ment. Conditions like depression and anxiety can be managed at primary healthcare and private clinics, where antidepressants are available with proper medical supervision and follow-up.

LegCo member Yang Berhormat Lawi bin Haji Lamat asked the minister on measures to ensure consistent medication supply, particularly for patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), who typically receive three-month prescriptions but sometimes only obtain one-month supplies.

In response, the minister said prescriptions for chronic disease patients are generally valid until their next appointment with medication typically dispensed for two to three months.

(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)