PETALING JAYA: The government has allocated RM32.4bil for the Health Ministry for its operating and development expenses, says the Finance Minister.

       As a government concerned with the wellbeing of its people, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the allocation for the Health Ministry is the second largest after the Education Ministry.

       He said an additional RM4bil was provided for Covid-19 management, of which RM2bil is for the national immunisation programme and another RM2bil is to increase the capacity of public health service facilities such as purchasing medications, health kits, and personal protective equipment.

       "The government is also plannning to procure the antiviral drugs that are effective against various viruses including Covid-19," he said during the tabling of Budget 2022 in Parliament on Friday (Oct 29).

       Zafrul also noted that the government has signed an agreement to obtain 88 million doses which is equivalent to more than 140% of the population and enough to give third doses to everyone above the age of 12.

       He added that the government also plans to provide individual and employer tax deductions for self-funded Covid-19 booster shots.

       He added that there will be RM100mil allocated to sponsor 3,000 contract medical and dental officers to pursue specialist training.

       RM70mil has also been allocated for mental health programmes and support.

       The government, he added, also plans to expand the scope of income tax exemption for health checkups, including costs for consultations with psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and licensed counsellors.

       "The government will strengthen clinical management of rare diseases in Malaysia such as lysosomal disease and will also work with the Red Crescent Society and St John Ambulance to improve access and response of ambulance services," he said.