Budget 2026: MOH Proposes Ward Upgrades, Increased Rural Healthcare Staff Stipends

KOTA BHARU, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) has submitted over six high-impact proposals for Budget 2026, which will be tabled on Oct 10.

MOH Deputy Secretary-General (Finance), Datuk Seri Zahrul Hakim, said among the proposals are additional allocations to enhance facilities in third class wards and increased allowances for healthcare workers in rural areas, including medical officers, assistant medical officers, and nurses.

"For Budget 2026, the MOH has conducted several engagement sessions with stakeholders and met with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to request additional funding, as they have proposed more than six initiatives with significant impact," he said. He spoke to reporters after opening the 27th Biennial Delegates Conference and the 132nd Exco Meeting of the National Union of Medical Assistants for Peninsular Malaysia here today.

Zahrul added that the proposal for additional allocations to improve patient comfort in third class wards, particularly in MOH’s main hospitals, aligns with the MADANI aspiration to provide improved and more comfortable services to the people.

"In addition, the proposed increase in allowances for healthcare workers in rural areas is also hoped to be considered by the MOF, even though the budget implications are significant.

"We hope that the allowance increase will be given due consideration to encourage MOH staff to remain in rural areas so that the delivery of government healthcare services is not disrupted due to staff shortages. We hope there will be good news for the MOH in the Budget 2026 announcement," he said.

Earlier, in his speech, Zahrul said challenges in the healthcare sector are becoming increasingly complex, requiring leaders who are not only skilled in clinical aspects but also adept in digital health technology, data management, and effective communication with the community.

"Therefore, I urge young assistant medical officers to equip themselves with additional knowledge, whether in the field of health informatics, emergency medicine, or public health, so they can face challenges and shape the future leadership of the union and the profession,” he said.

-- BERNAMA