SHAH ALAM, June 5 — Approximately 200,000 low-income residents across Selangor are expected to benefit from the Iltizam Selangor Sihat (ISS) programme this year, which covers basic medical treatment and vaccinations.
State executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said this also includes dialysis treatment, inpatient care (hospitalisation), and critical illness protection, supported by a RM20 million allocation.
Approximately 80,215 active ISS members have been recorded as of March 31, ensuring that beneficiaries meet the programme’s eligibility requirements, including low-income families and individuals.
“In previous years, our focus was mainly on clinic-based benefits, where we provided RM500 for family-category recipients and RM250 for single individuals or those using the card solely for themselves under the basic benefits scheme.
“In 2024, another very important benefit was introduced: hospitalisation coverage. Cardholders can receive treatment not only at panel clinics but also at public or private hospitals within our network, with coverage of up to RM10,000,” she said.
Jamaliah added that the assistance helps ease the financial burden of healthcare costs for lower-income groups while also reducing congestion at government hospitals.
ISS cardholders are only required to pay a small portion of their treatment costs, as the state government subsidises up to RM70 per visit at participating panel clinics.
“For recipients, this is extremely beneficial and helps reduce the burden, particularly for those on lower incomes. At the same time, ISS helps ease overcrowding at government hospitals.
“For example, patients requiring cataract surgery or treatments that necessitate hospital admission, but who are not in a critical condition, can benefit from the programme,” she said.
Previously, Menteri Dato' Seri Besar Amirudin Shari described ISS as one of the state’s flagship programmes aimed at helping lower-income residents cope with rising medical costs.
The programme enables Selangor residents to receive basic healthcare assistance free of charge, including death benefits and critical illness protection.
Last year, the state government expanded the ISS hospitalisation benefits to include free dialysis treatment for up to three months, with a maximum coverage limit of RM10,000.
