MALAYSIA: Free medical treatment for senior citizens

. PENANG, Malaysia / The Star / March 31, 2009 By Foong Pek Yee in Kuala Lumpur The Government plans to provide free medical treatment to elderly Malaysians in third class wards, covering ward and treatment charges. Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the move would extend the ministry’s care to those aged 60 and above. Some two million patients are admitted to the ministry’s hospitals annually and up to 70% are third class (the cheapest) admissions. Liow said the move, expected to cost the Government “millions of ringgit,” could be implemented upon approval by the Cabinet. Feedback has shown that many of the elderly have difficulty settling their medical fees and the ministry had considered this when reviewing its medical fees under the Medical Act, he said. Copyright © 1995-2009 Star Publications (M) Bhd (Co