Budget 2027: Increase in 'flying doctor' allowance strengthens access to healthcare in rural Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 Oct: Increase of Air Doctor Service (PDU) allowance from RM30 to RM100 for one assignment reflects the government's efforts to strengthen access to health services in its specific rural areas in Sabah and Sarawak.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said efforts to strengthen health access are not only dependent on air services but also include land and water transport, including rivers.

"If Sarawak, everyone knows. If there is no PDU, two to three days of travel has not yet reached the destination.

"So we shall strengthen them all three.It's too late.It's just one aspect, but we want to improve and it's on what we call UHC or universal health coverage, demanding that no one is left behind", he said after presenting Budget 2027 in the Lok Sabha today.

He commented on the announcement by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regarding the increase in PDU allowance approved by the government through Budget 2027.

According to the Prime Minister, the decision was made following the tragedy of the service helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Sarawak, which recently claimed the lives of frontline officers.

Commenting on the possibility of the Ministry of Health (MoH) having its own helicopter for use by medical teams, Dzulkefly said the ministry chose a rental approach over managing the assets itself.

"We are not in the business of managing helicopters (because KKM) providing services (rather than KKM) taking care of people's health and care is one of our duties", he said.

He said the rental approach is more practical and effective as it allows SMEs to focus on delivery of health services without burdening themselves with helicopter management and maintenance. -TVS