Dzulkefly tells Dewan Rakyat MOH reviewing cerebral palsy registry plan to widen rehab access

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 — The Health Ministry (MOH) is studying a proposal to establish a National Cerebral Palsy Registry to strengthen the delivery of services for patients with cerebral palsy (CP) in the country, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the proposal is aimed at expanding patients’ access to rehabilitation facilities, including through collaboration with the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) rehabilitation centres.

“MOH welcomes the proposal to establish a National Cerebral Palsy Registry and is also reviewing efforts to expand patients’ access to rehabilitation facilities, including through collaboration with Perkeso rehabilitation centres,” he said when replying to a question from Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (PH-Bandar Kuching).

Dzulkefly said MOH assists CP patients in obtaining rehabilitation equipment through the Medical Assistance Fund, the Malaysian Medical Welfare Fund and the National Cancer Council, based on clinical assessment and patients’ eligibility.

“For patients who do not meet the eligibility criteria, counselling services and prescriptions for equipment are also provided to facilitate access to assistance from NGOs and relevant agencies,” he said.

He said that although the ministry does not provide direct financial assistance specifically for children with CP, as this falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Social Welfare, the ministry continues to provide support in the form of rehabilitation equipment.

He added that MOH data shows that 1,076 CP cases have been registered and have received early intervention at health clinics nationwide since 2016. — Bernama