PeKA B40 is well-received by members of the public.-NSTP/FAIZ ANUAR.
KUCHING: New healthcare scheme for the low-income group, PeKA B40, has been well-received in Sarawak and saw 46 private clinics registered as panels over the past two weeks.
Sarawak Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashim said among the clinics that have registered statewide were Klinik Kesihatan Sim and Klinik Yee in Miri, Klinik Perubatan Teddy and Union Clinic in Bau.
Jamilah said the scheme, which is in effect yesterday, focused on cooperation between public and private sectors to aid the B40 group to enjoy a wider range of healthcare facilities, especially services by private general practitioners.
Among the services include are medical examinations for hypertension, diabetes and kidney complications.
Panel clinics will have PeKa B40 special stickers posted at the entrance.
Among them is Wong Family Clinic in Kuching, which described the implementation of the scheme as “significant” especially among community doctors.
“The scheme allows me to play a better role in serving the lower income group receive health screening (among others),” said the clinic’s supervisor Dr Wong Mee Heang when met yesterday.
Dr Wong urged those from the B40 group to take advantage of the scheme’s benefits and enjoy better healthcare.
Other benefits under PeKa B40 include medical equipment aid, cancer treatment incentives and transport fee incentive.
RM100 million has been allocated for the scheme to benefit 800,000 BSH recipients aged 50 and above.
On Sunday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the scheme would promote free healthcare services by the registered private general practitioner.
He said as of last Friday, 423 private clinics have registered under the scheme, with their addresses available online at www.pekab40.com.my.
[Source: “PeKa B40 well-received in Sarawak” published by New Straits Times]
