By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 19: A panel clinic in Kuching has been temporarily suspended from implementing the Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) programme, while three other clinics in Sarikei, Mukah, and Miri have been issued warning letters after being found to have engaged in misconduct, including providing health services and medical products not approved under the programme’s guidelines.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah emphasised that the government, through the Sarawak Social Welfare Department, takes allegations of malpractice by SCHB panel clinics very seriously and will ensure strict compliance with programme’s terms.
“Based on official complaints and monitoring by field officers, we have received reports that a small number of appointed SCHB panel clinics have engaged in several forms of misconduct.
“Investigations revealed that some panel clinics provided health services and medical products not approved under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), allowed ineligible individuals, including family members of SCHB recipients, to use the programme quota, and failed to provide services or medications in line with the items listed in patient receipts,” she said in a pre-recorded press conference today.
She highlighted this during the monthly One Stop Committee (OSC) meeting to address drugs and substance issues in Sarawak.
Fatimah stressed that these actions indicate clear non-compliance with MOA claim guidelines, provision of services inconsistent with approved clinical standards, and misuse of facilities and allocations under the SCHB programme.
As a result, the government, through the Sarawak Social Welfare Department, will take firm measures, including conducting compliance audits and internal investigations of the involved clinics, temporarily suspending their operations as SCHB panel clinics, investigating invoicing claims, and prohibiting them from receiving SCHB beneficiaries.
“Private clinics must uphold integrity and comply with previously agreed terms, including the pricing of medicines and services offered.
“Integrity and accountability are non-negotiable for all panel clinics under the SCHB programme. Clinics must honour the agreement they signed and provide safe, ethical, and approved services to senior citizens. Any breach will result in audits, warning letters, and if necessary, suspension from the programme,” Fatimah warned.
The SCHB programme is a Sarawak government initiative that provides cashless outpatient treatment for senior citizens at panel clinics, with a maximum coverage of RM500 per person annually. It aims to ensure that senior citizens receive safe, high-quality, and ethical healthcare.
“The government assures that the welfare and continuity of healthcare for senior citizens under SCHB will continue to be safeguarded. All panel clinics are reminded to uphold high service standards, integrity, and prioritise patient interests,” she added.
Sarawak currently has 286 registered clinics under the SCHB programme, including 177 medical clinics, 97 dental clinics, and 12 specialist hospitals.
Fatimah assured that the government will continue to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure the programme is implemented with integrity and effectiveness, with further updates to be provided as necessary. — DayakDaily
