Fahmi: 15 govt hospitals among early recipients of RM1b allocation to boost digital access and electronic medical record rollout

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 30 — Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil announced that 15 government hospitals will be among the first to receive RM1 billion in funding to enhance digital efficiency within the public health sector. This increased allocation was previously announced as RM650 million and would facilitate the implementation of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system and provide internet access, including public WiFi, at health clinics and government hospitals.

Fahmi revealed that initially, 15 hospitals were expected to be completed, but plans were to expand this number. The minister also informed that the pilot implementation of the EMR system at Padang Besar Health Clinic had already improved doctors' access to electronic patient information, streamlining treatment processes. Fahmi assured that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Ministry of Health would collaborate to ensure the effective dissemination of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s messages on government assistance and achievements.

He also hinted at an upcoming announcement regarding free subscriptions to artificial intelligence (AI) applications for 100,000 young people aged 18-30 years participating in the AI for the People programme. During the Prime Minister’s National Day Address, Anwar highlighted several initiatives, including the RM1 billion commitment to the EMR system, restoration of the Budi Madani RON95 (BUDI95) Programme eligibility, increased e-Invoice exemption threshold, and free AI subscriptions to young people.

Anwar further mentioned a 50% increase in the 2027 maintenance budget for all schools, from RM1 billion to RM1.5 billion, as well as the introduction of a RM200 million Madani Sejahtera Grant for various traders and micro-financing facilities, increasing the total fund for 2026 to RM6 billion.