Clinic bills set to soar: Doctors warn of 30pct hike under new pricing rule
PETALING JAYA: Private medical practitioners have warned that treatment charges at clinics and hospitals could rise by as much as 30 per cent due to the enforcement of a new pricing directive.
The Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM) said that patients would bear the brunt of the cost increase, as clinics were now required to itemise charges that were previously bundled under a single fee.
Its president Dr Shanmuganathan T.V. Ganeson said that the new rule disrupted the existing billing system, in which consultation, treatment, and medication were charged together.
"Clinics now have to unbundle costs, including operating expenses, which must be separately listed on the bill," said Dr Shanmuganathan.
According to Utusan Malaysia, estimates suggest that patient charges could rise by between 10 and 30 per cent, depending on the type of treatment and medication. In some cases, a standard consultation may cost RM10 to RM30 more than before.
On May 6, some 200 doctors gathered at Laman Perdana near Perdana Putra in Putrajaya to protest the new directive.
The group assembled at 9.30am before a 10-member delegation, led by Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) representative Datuk Dr R. Thirunavukarasu, entered the Prime Minister's Office to submit a memorandum.
The protesters urged the government to review Act 723 and place regulation of medical practice solely under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), which they argued was sufficient for the sector.
While protests continue, most private clinics have already begun displaying medicine prices, as required. Bundled billing remains in place at many clinics for the time being, pending a decision from the Health Ministry.
Patients may begin to see higher bills as early as August if no changes are introduced during the grace period.
"Once the grace period ends, clinics will be required to provide a full breakdown of all charges," Dr Shanmuganathan said.
The price display requirement, gazetted on May 1, falls under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723) and is enforced by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. It applies to all private clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies.
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