Stop giving instructions through social media, private GPs tell health ministry
The private doctors' group said that unbundling services to comply with forced itemised billing could drive up costs for patients. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : A private doctors' group has called on the health ministry to stop issuing instructions to medical practitioners through social media.
This follows a TikTok Live session in which Redzuan Rizal, a senior officer with the ministry's pharmaceutical services programme, instructed private general practitioners (GPs) and specialist clinics to implement itemised billing.
The Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM) described the announcement as 'a gross overreach' made without any formal directive, circular, or legal amendment.
'It disregards the established regulatory framework that governs private medical practice in Malaysia,' its president, Dr Shanmuganathan TV Ganeson, said in a statement today.
'Doctors are not retailers. We are licensed under the Medical Act 1971 and regulated by the Malaysian Medical Council, while private medical clinics fall under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), not the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723).'
Shanmuganathan said billing matters fall under clinical governance, not pharmaceutical jurisdiction, and pointed out that itemised bills are already available upon request under existing guidelines.
He warned that enforcing itemised billing without a clear legal mandate could force clinics to break down charges for every tool, consumable and procedure — driving up costs for patients.
In the TikTok session on the @MyHealthKKM channel, Redzuan reportedly said patients have the right to detailed information about the charges imposed on them.
He encouraged clinics to issue detailed bills in line with the mandatory display of drug prices that took effect on May 1.
The rule has received pushback from various doctors' groups that have submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister's Office.
In their memorandum, the GPs demanded that the government remove private clinics from the purview of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act and review the consultation fees of GPs.
The health ministry had said the use of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act for drug price displays aimed to promote transparency and affordability, not disrupt the work of private GPs.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
5 hours ago
- Malay Mail
‘Leadership isn't about physical strength': PAS backs Hadi to stay as president despite heart surgery, with Tuan Ibrahim dismissing renewal concerns
PARIT, June 22 — PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has today affirmed the party's continued support for Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang to remain as president, amid calls for a leadership change due to health concerns and party rejuvenation. New Straits Times reported Tuan Ibrahim saying Abdul Hadi's leadership and vision remain vital for PAS, especially following the Islamist party's recent electoral gains and strong performance. 'There are no major health issues. Tuan Guru recently received treatment at the National Heart Institute, and he is in good health. We expect him to be discharged within a day or two,' he said, referring to Abdul Hadi. 'Our best achievements were under Tok Guru's leadership including 34 parliamentary seats and victories in numerous state seats. So why stop when we are succeeding? 'Leadership is not about physical strength, but about ideas, vision, and management. That is what truly matters, and we believe Tok Guru is still capable,' he added while officianting the PAS Parit division annual general meeting. His comments come amid speculation of a potential leadership reshuffle ahead of the party's 71st Muktamar — or annual congress — in September, part of wider discussions on internal renewal. In February, it was reported that Tuan Ibrahim had not confirmed whether he would defend his deputy president post, stating that it was up to PAS delegates to nominate him if they wished. Tuan Ibrahim also highlighted Abdul Hadi's influence in global Islamic circles, saying he is regularly consulted on international issues, including the Sunni-Shiah divide and the Israel conflict. Abdul Hadi, who is also Marang MP, had earlier this week undergone heart surgery. Supporters and critics have predicted that Abdul Hadi may take the less strenuous post of spiritual adviser rather than president, with Datuk Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar widely seen as a possible successor.
Malay Mail
7 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Key Findings from the "Hong Kong Vitiligo Patients and Caregivers Survey" Released for "World Vitiligo Day"
(From left) Mr. Chan (pseudonym), a patient with vitiligo; Dr. Chan Yung, a specialist in dermatology; and Ms. Amy Wong, a registered social worker from the Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group, urge individuals with vitiligo to seek professional medical consultation for personalized treatment plan promptly and to avoid unproven remedies 80% lack understanding of treatment options 78% unfamiliar with medication efficacy 84% uncertain about which specialist to consult 74% of respondents expressed a desire for full or partial skin repigmentation, yet among the 48 treated patients, none achieved complete repigmentation, and only 8% reported partial improvement 67% perceived treatments as completely ineffective 43% are not receiving any active treatment at present Barriers included: high private healthcare costs and long public-sector wait times (95%), and perceived futility of therapy (75%) Corticosteroids: Risk of skin atrophy, telangiectasia; unsuitable for long-term use Phototherapy: Requires 3–6 months (or longer) of 2–3 weekly sessions, with potential sunburn and skin cancer risks Non-steroidal topicals: Often only slow progression rather than induce repigmentation Over 70% of Vitiligo Patients Seek Skin Repigmentation - New Topical Treatment Introduced in Hong Kong Offers Hope Approximately 30% of patients achieved ≥75% improvement in Facial Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (F-VASI) after 24 weeks of treatment; 50% of patients showed ≥50% improvement; Extension to 52 weeks of treatment resulted in >50% of patients attaining ≥75% improvement7 Conclusion and Recommendations Case Study HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 June 2025 - In observance of World Vitiligo Day (June 25), Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group has released findings from its latest "Hong Kong Vitiligo Patients and Caregivers Survey." The study reveals critical gaps in treatment knowledge, with over 80% of respondents demonstrating limited understanding of available therapies and their efficacy. More than 70% of patients hoped therapy could partially or fully restore their original skin pigmentation, yet many reported disappointing outcomes with existing treatments, leading to loss of confidence and treatment that with advancing insights into vitiligo pathogenesis, novel therapy has recently been introduced in Hong Kong. Clinical studies confirm its repigmentation potential, encouraging patients to consult specialists for personalized treatment Hong Kong, vitiligo affects approximately 1% of the population, with an estimated 70,000 individuals living with the condition. In May 2025, Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group successfully surveyed 61 patients or their primary caregivers to identify key challenges in disease management. Key findings as follows:Vitiligo is classified as segmental (SV) or non-segmental (NSV), with 90% of cases being NSV—a subtype with higher progression risk and greater therapeutic difficulty. Traditional options (e.g., topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy) often yield variable results, with limitations such as:stated that targeted therapies like topical JAK inhibitors represent a breakthrough in vitiligo treatment. "Topical JAK inhibitors are non-steroidal medications with demonstrated efficacy and safety profiles, making them a viable long-term treatment option for patients," he the exact etiology of vitiligo remains unclear, current evidence suggests autoimmune-mediated attack on melanocytes plays a key pathogenic role, resulting in depigmented lesions. Non-steroidal Topical JAK inhibitors work by modulating the aberrant immune signaling responsible for melanocyte attack, enabling gradual repigmentation of affected cream, the first FDA-approved non-steroidal topical JAK inhibitor for localized treatment of non-segmental vitiligo in patients aged 12 years and above, has recently become available in Hong Kong. Clinical trials show:noted that many vitiligo patients and caregivers seeking assistance express confusion about treatment options and medication efficacy. "Many patients spend over a year just obtaining a definitive diagnosis," she explained. "In their search for solutions, patients often invest substantial resources in various cosmetic packages and alternative therapies, only to experience significant discrepancies between desired and actual outcomes. This frequently leads to disillusionment, loss of hope for effective treatment, and even emotional distress.""However,"emphasized, "with medical advancements, vitiligo is no longer considered untreatable. Repigmentation is now achievable, and we strongly encourage patients to seek professional medical consultation at the earliest opportunity."The survey reveals significant gaps in patients' understanding of vitiligo treatments and their mechanisms, leaving many uncertain about where to begin treatment. Over 80% of respondents expressed desire for patient support in medication access and resource referrals. Accordingly,andpropose the following recommendations:Conduct lectures and workshops to help patients and caregivers understand that vitiligo requires long-term management, with visible results often taking extended periods to manifest. These initiatives should also educate participants about various treatment modalities, particularly newly available options like non-steroidal topical JAK inhibitors, enabling informed discussions with healthcare providers about appropriate treatment that vitiligo necessitates prolonged treatment, and considering that many patients find private care cost-prohibitive while public service wait times are excessively long, we recommend establishing medication support and resource referral services to facilitate timely access to proper treatment. Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group is currently implementing a "Vitiligo Patient Support Program," offering free psychological counseling, medication assistance, and resource referral services. Interested individuals may contact Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group for Chan (pseudonym), 58, first developed symptoms thirty years ago with a small depigmented spot on his neck that subsequently spread to his neck, waist, wrists, and thighs. At diagnosis, his physician prescribed topical corticosteroids but stated vitiligo was essentially "incurable." Mr. Chan subsequently pursued numerous alternative treatments including UV light therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, electroacupuncture, topical shampoo applications, and cosmetic packages - exhausting savings and liquidating his stocks - all without achieving satisfactory years of unsuccessful treatment attempts, he discontinued treatment until being referred to the Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group. Through their seminars and "Vitiligo Patient Support Program", he learned about modern treatment advances and, with medication assistance, has begun new therapy with renewed hope for repigmentation."My greatest wish is to wear crew-neck shirts again," Mr. Chan shared. "Since developing vitiligo, I've only worn high-collared shirts to conceal neck patches and haven't gone swimming in thirty years." He looks forward to regaining sartorial freedom following successful #Vitiligo #WorldVitiligoDay #TopicalJAKinhibitors #Non-steroidalTopicalJAKinhibitors #Ruxolitinibcream #SkinRepigmentation # #Dermatology #Skincare#HongKongVitiligoSupportGroup The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group Initiated by social enterprise Hong Kong Health Care Alliance, Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group is a non-profit patient organization dedicated to individuals affected by vitiligo and their caregivers. Our mission is to enhance societal understanding of vitiligo through comprehensive disease education and support services, empowering patients to better understand and confront their condition while fostering public awareness. We strive to ensure no patient faces this journey alone.
Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Perak eyes October enforcement of vape sales ban, says state health chairman
IPOH, June 22 — The state government is targeting the banning of electronic cigarettes or vapes sales in October throughout Perak. Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A Sivanesan said a working paper on the matter is being drafted by the Perak State Health Department (JKN). 'We have instructed the Perak JKN led by its director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha to ensure that this working paper can be completed as soon as possible. 'The working paper will also be brought to the State Executive Council (MMK) to decide on its enforcement, which I am targeting around October,' he said. He said this when met after officiating the Orthopaedic Symposium Programme: Latest Developments and Best Practices in the Orthopaedic Field organised by the Perak Community Specialist Hospital (PCSH) at the Kinta River Front Hotel here, today. On June 4, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad explained that the state government is comprehensively examining the need to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes in Perak. Saarani said the matter had been raised in the MMK but there were several matters that needed to be comprehensively refined. Meanwhile, Sivanesan said that although he admitted that the action would cause uneasiness among vape operators, it would benefit the people overall, especially in terms of health. 'We are ready (for complaints) about this matter and for us what is good for the people we will continue,' he said. In addition, he said more than 90 individuals consisting of orthopaedic specialists from all over the country participated in the programme organised by PCSH. He said it should be emulated by other private hospitals in Perak because it aims to provide knowledge and assist in disseminating the latest technology used in the field now. — Bernama
