If you’ve ever had to wait hours at a government clinic just to see a doctor, you’ll understand why Skim Perubatan Madani (SPM) is such a big deal.
It’s a government programme that lets eligible Malaysians get free treatment at participating private clinics, without paying a single sen upfront. For many families, that means shorter waits, better access to healthcare, and less strain on the wallet, or in some cases, the chance to finally see a doctor before things get worse.
Whether you’re hearing about Skim Perubatan Madani for the first time or wondering if you qualify, here’s everything you need to know about Malaysia’s new way of bringing affordable healthcare to everyone.
Why Skim Perubatan Madani Started
Malaysia’s public healthcare system is one of the most affordable in the world — but it’s also overwhelmed.
If you’ve ever visited a Klinik Kesihatan (public clinic), you’ll know the routine:
👉 Take a number, wait, and hope you’re called before lunchtime…
Doctors and nurses work tirelessly, but the reality is that government clinics handle millions of patients every year on limited resources.
Meanwhile, private clinics often have shorter wait times and more comfortable facilities, but their fees can be out of reach for the B40 and lower M40 groups.
That’s the gap Skim Perubatan Madani (SPM) aims to bridge. It brings private healthcare within reach of low-income Malaysians by letting the government pick up the bill.
What is Skim Perubatan Madani (SPM)?
Skim Perubatan Madani (SPM) is a targeted healthcare assistance scheme launched on 15 Jun 2023 in selected provinces by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) under the BUDI MADANI framework.
It allows eligible low-income Malaysians to receive free basic medical treatment at registered private general practitioner (GP) clinics. The government pays the clinic directly, meaning you don’t have to pay first and claim later.
The programme was rolled out to major urban areas by 15 September 2023, and has since expanded nationwide, with over 1,500 private clinics participating through the ProtectHealth Corporation network (a MOH subsidiary that manages healthcare initiatives).
How Does Skim Perubatan Madani Work?
The best part about SPM is that you don’t need a new card, voucher, or form. Everything runs through MySejahtera, the same app you used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s how Skim Perubatan Madani (SPM) works step-by-step:
- Check your eligibility on MySejahtera.
- If you’re eligible, you’ll see a banner for “Skim Perubatan Madani (SPM)” in the app.
- It will show your available quota (the number of clinic visits or credit amount).
- Find a participating private clinic near you.
- Clinics under the SPM network are listed in MySejahtera and identified by “Klinik Rakan Madani” signage.
- Visit the clinic like a normal patient.
- Show your MySejahtera QR code and MyKad for verification.
- The clinic will treat you and claim the cost directly from the government.
- Walk out without paying.
- Everything is settled digitally between the clinic and ProtectHealth.
No forms, no waiting for reimbursements — it’s a true cashless healthcare experience.
What Treatments are Covered under Skim Perubatan Madani?
SPM covers common outpatient treatments, minor illnesses, and basic medical services.
✅ Included:
- Doctor consultation and examination
- Basic medications (for conditions like fever, flu, cough, headache, etc.)
- Minor procedures (e.g., dressing, nebuliser, wound cleaning)
- Health advice and simple follow-ups
❌ Not Included:
- Major procedures or surgeries
- Long-term chronic illness management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension beyond basic care)
- Specialist referrals or hospitalisation
- Cosmetic or elective treatments
Each beneficiary is given a maximum yearly healthcare allocation — typically around RM125–RM250, depending on their eligibility group. Clinics can claim directly within that limit.
Who Qualifies for Skim Perubatan Madani?
Skim Perubatan Madani targets low-income Malaysians identified under the eKasih and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) databases.
✅ You’re Eligible If You:
- Are a Malaysian citizen aged 18 and above.
- Are listed as a STR recipient (either household or single).
- Have a valid MyKad linked to MySejahtera.
Some senior citizens (60 years and above) who fall under the B40 income group are also automatically enrolled.
There’s no need to apply manually — if you qualify, MySejahtera will show your SPM eligibility automatically once your records match.
How To Check If You Qualify For Skim Perubatan Madani
- Open your MySejahtera app.
- On the homepage, look for the “Skim Perubatan Madani” banner.
- Tap to see your eligibility status and available balance/quota.
- If you don’t see the banner but think you should qualify, check that:
- Your MyKad number matches your STR registration.
- You’re using the latest version of MySejahtera.
You can also contact ProtectHealth Corporation via their official website (https://protecthealth.com.my) or hotline for assistance.
Where Can You Go For Treatment?
Skim Perubatan Madani works through a nationwide network of private GP clinics known as Klinik Rakan Madani.
As of 2025, there are over 1,500 participating clinics across Malaysia, and the number is growing. You’ll find them in both urban and semi-urban areas, including Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Ipoh, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu.
You can locate nearby clinics directly in the MySejahtera app, or by looking for clinics displaying the “Klinik Rakan Madani” sticker or poster.
Why Skim Perubatan Madani Matters?
At first glance, Skim Perubatan Madani might look like just another welfare programme. But it represents something much bigger: a rethinking of how healthcare access works in Malaysia.
Here’s why Skim Perubatan Madani matters:
- 🏥 Less Pressure on Public Clinics: Redirecting eligible patients to private GPs helps reduce long queues at Klinik Kesihatan.
- 💊 Faster Access to Care: People can get treated earlier, preventing minor issues from becoming serious.
- 💵 Financial Relief: Medical fees, even small ones, can add up — SPM helps families save up to a few hundred ringgit a year.
- 🤝 Public-private Partnership: It’s a smart collaboration — the government funds care, while private clinics deliver it efficiently.
It’s essentially the best of both worlds: government-funded healthcare delivered at private-sector speed.
Common Questions on Skim Perubatan Madani (and Honest Answers)
💬 Can I use SPM more than once?
Yes, as long as your annual allocation (e.g., RM125–RM250) hasn’t been used up. Each clinic visit deducts from that total.
💬 Do I have to register somewhere?
No separate registration needed if you’re an STR recipient or meet the criteria, MySejahtera updates automatically.
💬 Can I choose any private clinic?
Only clinics registered under ProtectHealth’s Klinik Rakan Madani network. Always check before visiting.
💬 What if the clinic charges more than the allocation?
The clinic can only claim within the approved rate; patients aren’t charged the difference.
💬 What if I’m sick and not eligible?
You can still visit any clinic as usual, but you’ll have to pay. However, MOH has hinted that future phases may expand Skim Perubatan Madani coverage to more income groups.
Early Response and Feedback On Skim Perubatan Madani
When SPM first rolled out, many Malaysians were surprised to learn they could visit private clinics for free. Within months, over 500,000 patients had used the scheme nationwide. Doctors in the network have also reported smoother systems compared to older government contracts, thanks to ProtectHealth’s digital claims portal.
There were, of course, some hiccups such as patients unaware of their eligibility or clinics slow to onboard. However by mid-2025, the system had largely stabilised.
Most importantly, Skim Perubatan Madani has already proven to ease congestion at government clinics while improving access to care for lower-income communities.
Does Skim Perubatan Madani Matter for non-Malaysians?
If you’re an expat, foreign resident, or digital nomad in Malaysia, Skim Perubatan Madani isn’t something you can claim, but it still affects you indirectly.
Here’s how:
- It helps balance healthcare demand, reducing overcrowding at public hospitals that everyone relies on.
- It reflects Malaysia’s shift toward digitalised and transparent welfare delivery, a model other developing countries are watching closely.
- It signals a long-term move toward shared prosperity, a core value of the Madani economy that shapes Malaysia’s next decade.
In other words, Skim Perubatan Madani isn’t just welfare, but a policy experiment in how digital tools can make healthcare fairer and faster.
What’s The Outlook of Skim Perubatan Madani?
Skim Perubatan Madani is expected to keep expanding, both in coverage and integration. Future plans include:
- Linking medical records between clinics and MOH for better continuity of care.
- Adding chronic disease management for common conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
- Introducing telehealth consultations for rural Malaysians with limited clinic access.
- Integration with MyDigital ID, so beneficiaries can be verified seamlessly across all BUDI MADANI programmes.
If successful, Skim Perubatan Madani could become the foundation for Malaysia’s next-generation public healthcare system by blending accessibility, technology, and empathy.
Final Thoughts
Healthcare is one of those things you only appreciate when you really need it. And for millions of Malaysians, Skim Perubatan Madani is the peace of mind that help is just around the corner without worrying about the bill.
It’s practical. It’s fair. And it’s exactly the kind of modern, digital-first policy Malaysia needs right now.
So the next time you open MySejahtera, take a moment to check if you see the “SPM” banner.
No, you don’t have to retake the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)… but you might just discover that the same app that kept you safe during the pandemic now helps you get free medical care when you need it most.