The Terengganu government has set aside a special allocation of RM10 million for the treatment of chronic patients next year, Menteri Besar Ahmad Said said.

He urged those suffering from serious diseases like cancer, hole-in-the-heart and that affecting the nerve to contact the menteri besar's office to facilitate treatment.

"The state government hopes that this will help treat patients and reduce their financial burden," he said after visiting the family of Amran Abu Bakar, 43, today.

Amran's daughter Nurzahirah, 10, suffered from a nerve problem while Ainul Hayat, 8, had Down's Syndrome since birth and hole-in-the-heart.

Ahmad said Nurzahirah would be referred to a specialist while the state government would bear the cost of surgery on Ainul Hayat at the National Heart Institute (IJN).

The menteri besar said seven of 20 students with impaired vision had eye surgery at Tun Hussein Onn Eye Hospital recently and that the state government would bear the cost.

"I have been told that the seven students have regained their eye sight and can now recognise their parents. The others will be operated on next week," he added.

- Bernama