The e-wallet transaction is to diversify payment methods and shorten the waiting time for counter services in health clinics

by HARIZAH KAMEL/ pic by TMR FILE

THE government plans to introduce a cashless payment facility in government clinics nationwide in the next two years, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (picture).

He said the plan is in line with the government’s vision to transform Malaysia into a cashless society.

“We are still planning although it will take some time, in the next two years, we want to develop (cashless payment) and operate nationwide,” he said in a press conference after the launch of a cashless payment facility through Boost e-wallet at Cheras Health Clinic in Kuala Lumpur (KL) yesterday.

“As long as our facility has Internet access and patients are still using their mobile phones, anywhere in the country, we will be able to make the cashless payment,” he added.

Dr Dzulkefly also said the e-wallet transaction is to diversify payment methods and shorten the waiting time for counter services in health clinics.

“The ministry is working on various initiatives to improve the services of front-line employees or counter registration. Efficient counter service can reduce patient’s waiting time,” said the minister.

For a start, the cashless payment is available in four pilot locations namely Cheras Health Clinic, Kuala Lumpur Health Clinic, Precinct 18 Putrajaya Health Clinic and Seremban Health Clinic.

Data from the Ministry of Health (MoH) showed the number of paid patients at health clinics across Malaysia was 20.85 million in 2017, 20.84 million in 2018 and as of September 2019 at 15.58 million.

With the increasing number of patients attending health clinics and requiring a more efficient registration process, MoH decided to introduce payment programmes through the use of e-wallets.

The implementation of Boost e-wallet was conducted in September this year. Through the e-payment billing, patients can use debit or credit cards in selected hospitals, health offices and health institutions.

Subsequently, MoH hopes that all its facilities will be able to utilise and enjoy the e-wallet mechanism in online payment within the next two to three years.

MoH also announced that it is the first ministry to implement the use of e-wallet to provide conve- nience to patients, including foreigners who are seeking services at health clinics.

The e-wallet facility was developed in partnership with Axiata Digital Ecode Sdn Bhd and RHB Islamic Bank Bhd as the main bank.

The transaction is expected to increase with promotional activities being carried out by Axiata Digital Ecode and RHB Islamic with the support from the State Department of Health.

RHB Islamic’s collaboration with MoH started in 2018, when the bank first facilitated cashless transactions at 56 government clinics across KL and Selangor using bank cards.