FADILLAH URGES PRIVATE SECTOR TO PROACTIVELY IMPLEMENT HEALTH CSR PROGRAMMES

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- The private sector has been urged to be more proactive in implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes in the health sector to help ease the burden of those facing difficulty covering their treatment costs.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said companies and individuals who are able should step forward to extend contributions to hospitals to assist patients in getting the necessary medical treatment.

"The contribution channelled today by 99 Speedmart (mini-market) to the Universiti Malaysia Medical Centre (UMMC) is very meaningful for those in need, especially the disabled and the less fortunate, to undergo medical treatment at the hospital.

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"I hope such efforts will attract more… not just companies but also individuals who have surplus income to contribute to hospitals and university (medical centres),” he told the media at UMMC here today.

He said this after witnessing the handing over of RM2 million worth of 99 Speedmart Sdn Bhd contributions to the PPUMCare Fund to help less fortunate patients get treatment at UMMC.

Fadillah said that not only can such contributions be channelled through corporate funds, they can also be deemed as part of zakat (tithe) and be eligible for tax relief.

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"Besides easing the people's burden, companies are also eligible to apply for tax relief from the government because this contribution is recognised as part of CSR. So, it is not merely a tax payment, but also providing benefits to the community,” he said.

Meanwhile, PPUMCare chairman Chew Yee Yean said UMMC treats over one million patients annually, with an average of 3,500 patients daily, and over 1,200 beds are constantly taken up by the patients.

And, of the total, an estimated 30 per cent belong in the B40 category, she added.

"In 2024, the PPUMCare Fund had to assist 1,969 patients, involving RM7.6 million, while the total aid we received was only RM3.2 million.

"As such, we are hoping to receive whatever form or amount of contribution from various parties, as they will help us in our efforts to continue to assist patients who are in need,” said Yee Yean, who is also the deputy director (Professional) of UMMC.

She added that the assistance received would be channelled to patients in various clinics, including surgery, orthopaedics, cardiology, respiratory, paediatrics and ophthalmology.

-- BERNAMA