Uh-oh, it looks like visiting the doc at private clinics will be getting more expensive!
According to Bernama, a town hall session on “Stakeholders Consultation on the Proposed Revision of General Practitioners’ Charges” was held at the Health Ministry yesterday (Aug 27), and it was agreed that general practitioners’ charges of between RM10 and RM35 will be increased to between RM35 and RM125.
That’s about three times more!
Source: The Star
The deputy director-general of health (medical) Datuk Dr Azman Abu Bakar told reporters after the session that the revision of charges was long overdue as the last time this was done was in 2006.
“The more complex one’s illness, the higher the consultation charge will be. The ceiling price for the consultation charge is RM125.”
Besides, he stated that he had presented the paper on the proposed revision to Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
“The Health Minister will then submit the proposed revision of general practitioners’ charges to the Attorney-General’s Chambers and, if all goes well, it will then be presented to the Cabinet for its endorsement,” he said.
Source: Malaysia Today
Dr Azman also said the ministry had conducted several discussions with doctors and various individual groups, like non-governmental organisations and consumer groups, on this matter.
It is possible for the government to implement new consultation charges at the beginning of next year (2019).
Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association activist Datuk Nadzim Johan also supported the review of the consultation fees at private clinics, NST reports. Looking at the high cost of living in Malaysia, he said, it is fair to increase doctors’ consultation fees.
Source: The Mole
Meanwhile, Fomca deputy president Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman expressed his concern over the high cost of medication, according to NST.
“These days, medicines alone can come up to more than RM100, depending on whether its generic or branded.”
He also said the increase in consultation fees must be in line with demographics and locations as those living in the rural areas are most likely unable to afford medical treatment if the cost is too high.
What do you think of this move to increase medical consultation fees at private clinics? Share with us your two cents in the comments!
Also read: MOH: Doctors Must Only Use English or BM With Each Other, Not Chinese Dialects
