No hike at government hospitals despite ringgit’s fall, says minister

The ringgit's depreciation would result in an immediate increase in the prices of medicine and health equipment, but the government says it will absorb the extra costs. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, September 27, 2015.

Patients seeking treatment at government hospitals and clinics will not have to pay more despite the devaluation of the ringgit which will cause a hike in prices of medicine and medical equipment in the country.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the government and private sector health providers would bear the higher cost with the drop in the ringgit, but the government did not plan to transfer the increase to the people.

However, he said those seeking treatment at private hospitals might feel the hike if the health providers could not absorb the cost.

"What we must be prepared for is the exodus of patients seeking treatments at government hospitals if the private sector costs are too high," he told a media conference in Melaka last night after attending the 33rd Annual Dinner of the Malaysian Medical Assosiation.

He said the depreciation of the ringgit currently would not result in an immediate increase in the prices of medicine and health equipment.

"The medicine and equipment were bought at previous prices. We may feel the hike in three or four months. But if the devaluation persisted, I fear, it will worsen early next year," he said.

The increase was only expected to be temporary in nature and would not result in shortages of medical supplies in the country, Subramaniam added. – Bernama