{
  "id": 13092806,
  "title": "2027 Budget: MCMC to invest RM1bil in electronic medical records",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/2027-budget-mcmc-to-invest-rm1bil-in-electronic-medical-records",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-09T10:44:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1551736/2027-budget-mcmc-invest-rm1bil-electronic-medical-records"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a significant announcement during the 2027 Budget, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) revealed plans to invest RM1 billion towards the expansion of electronic medical records across healthcare facilities nationwide. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed the introduction of MediAsas basic medical plan, which will commence in January 2027 at an affordable premium.\n\nThe MediAsas plan will see hospital charges based on the type of diagnosis and treatment, ensuring costs are more controlled and predictable. EPF members below the age of 55 will have the option to pay MediAsas premiums through their Akaun Sejahtera. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 75 employees, the government will subsidise RM200 of the first-year premium for each employee, capped at 50 employees per company. This initiative aims to benefit up to 200,000 workers.\n\nMoreover, the expansion of electronic medical records will follow the principle of 'one individual, one record' to enhance transparency in private healthcare costs. Starting in 2027, private hospital bills will employ standardised and transparent charge categories, helping patients understand each payment and reduce price distortions. Additionally, the e-CKAPS portal will facilitate the licensing of private healthcare facilities online from 2027, reducing processing times by up to 65 percent.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will invest RM1 billion to expand the Electronic Medical Record System to healthcare facilities nationwide.",
  "key_points": [
    "MCMC to invest RM1 billion in electronic medical records expansion",
    "MediAsas basic medical plan starts January 2027 with affordable premium",
    "Government subsidizes SME premiums, up to 200,000 workers benefit"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}