PUTRAJAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has denied claims that "Attachment A" (Lampiran A), a document used in government hospitals, are being abused by foreigners to avoid paying medical deposits.
The claim, allegedly posted by a nurse at Kuala Lumpur Hospital's emergency department, suggested that foreign patients could bypass the RM2,800 admission deposit by declaring they did not possess a passport and requesting the use of "Attachment A."
He clarified that the document applies only to critical emergency cases handled at hospital emergency departments.
The form allows hospitals to temporarily defer the deposit requirement so that patients in life-threatening situations can receive immediate treatment.
"Attachment A only allows for a postponement of payment while resuscitation and stabilisation are carried out.
"It does not exempt patients from payment.
"This is part of our 'no wrong door policy', which ensures emergency cases are treated immediately to stabilise the patient and remove them from immediate danger," he said in a press conference.
Dzulkefly said once patients are stabilised and admitted to wards, the process of collecting the required deposit will proceed.
"So it is not correct to say that they receive treatment for free or that they are exempted from payment.
"And this practice is applied across all emergency and trauma facilities under the Health Ministry nationwide," he said.
Dzulkefly added that the Health Ministry is aware of the concerns raised online and would continue monitoring the matter to ensure existing procedures are not misused.
"We have not yet verified the authenticity of the report, but it is important for us to investigate the matter thoroughly.
"At the same time, we must respect those who come forward with information, and we also want whistleblowers to be protected." - NST
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