Budget 2026: Health Ministry's RM46.52 Billion To Boost Primary Care - Dr Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The 2026 Budget allocates RM46.52 billion to the Ministry of Health (MOH), emphasising the government's commitment to a "pro-health" approach, with a stronger focus on primary care and public health, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

This allocation represents an increase of RM1.25 billion, or 2.7 per cent, from the previous year’s RM45.27 billion, demonstrating continued support for the healthcare sector.

“While the operating expenditure has increased, both the operational and development budgets have grown by RM1.25 billion,” he said during the Ruang Bicara programme on Bernama TV tonight

Dr Dzulkefly added that the pro-health budget prioritises not just patient treatment, but also prevention and the maintenance of public health, including strengthening health clinics and primary care services.

“A budget focused solely on curative or acute care in hospitals addresses sickness. This time, we’ve balanced it with a stronger focus on primary care, prevention, and public health,” he said.

He added that the MOH is working to enhance the capacity of over 1,000 health clinics nationwide, including upgrading Type 1 clinics that handle the highest patient volumes.

“We aim to develop clinics that are not just equipped with better infrastructure but also with models of care that include specialists. This will help alleviate the pressure on hospitals and reduce overcrowding in major hospitals,” he said.

Dr Dzulkefly also noted that this approach aligns with the goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which measures equity in the country's healthcare system.

“A healthcare system should be evaluated on how well it protects the most vulnerable groups, including low-income communities and those in rural areas like Kapit and Borneo. They must be included,” he said.

He stressed that the pro-health strategy in the 2026 Budget marks a paradigm shift in the country’s healthcare system, moving from treatment to prevention and overall well-being.

"If we succeed in healthcare, we won’t be trapped in sick care. This budget is an important step toward that goal," he said.

-- BERNAMA