Urgent request for Ministers and MPs’ yearly check-ups.

Cabinet ministers and MPs are being encouraged to undergo an annual health screening, according to Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. The matter was raised again by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (Aug 2). This comes in light of the recent death of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who suffered from a brain aneurysm.

“The idea of health screening was previously suggested by Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and was discussed in the Agenda Nasional Sihat Malaysia (ANMS) committee meeting in March by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi,” said Dr Zaliha. “We want to remind everyone that their health should be a priority. Therefore, we would like to encourage them to undergo a thorough health screening at least once a year. The implementation of this will likely take place in the next Parliament session in September. Ministry staff will organize programmes and activities to promote and encourage everyone to undergo the health screening,” she added. The Health Minister also announced that all ministry staff would be vaccinated for influenza, with priority given to frontliners. However, they are currently waiting to purchase the vaccines.

The announcement of the annual health screening for Cabinet ministers and MPs serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing health. This initiative is in response to the increasing awareness of the need for regular health check-ups and the recent tragic event that claimed the life of a prominent political figure. By undergoing a thorough health screening, individuals can detect and address potential health issues early on. It also emphasizes the government’s commitment to the health and well-being of its officials and the public. In addition, the vaccination plan for ministry staff, particularly frontliners, reflects the government’s efforts to protect them from common illnesses and ensure a safe working environment. Overall, these initiatives demonstrate proactive measures to promote a healthy and resilient society.