No rush to increase fees, health minister assures no burden to poor

 

PARLIAMENT | Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa reassured that the government will not rush its proposal under the Health White Paper, which was passed today, to increase public healthcare fees based on patients’ income.

Zaliha, in her winding-up speech after nearly four hours of debates by 28 MPs, instead said any proposed increase will first be discussed with all stakeholders.

"Any changes to the fee structure are not something that will be rushed or done carelessly.

"It will be looked into in detail, done transparently, after considerable analysis and engagements with all stakeholders," she said.

"Most importantly, it is to ensure that the rakyat, particularly those from the lower-income and vulnerable groups, will not be affected.

"They can continue to enjoy access to (public) healthcare facilities," said Zaliha (above).

Zaliha reiterated that public healthcare facilities are charging a minimal fee due to the sector being heavily subsidised by the government.

She added that the Health Ministry also has no mechanism to collect a higher amount from patients who are willing to pay more for the comprehensive service that they received.

The increased fee proposal was listed as the third pillar of the white paper that focused on sustainable and just funding for the healthcare sector.

Mixed reactions

Earlier during the debate on the white paper, Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin urged the government to reconsider the proposed fee increase as various factors had supposedly led to more households falling into the lower-income category.

Pagoh MP Muhyiddin Yassin

The Pagoh MP also claimed the government initiated the proposal as one way to boost its income when faced with a supposedly critical fiscal state.

However, Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (PN-Tanjong Karang) commended the government's proposal, pointing out the current RM1 fee was only relevant when "nasi lemak still costs 10 sen".

Currently, Malaysians who seek treatment at government hospitals and clinics only have to pay RM1 for outpatient care and RM5 for specialist outpatient care.

According to the ministry’s website, citizens who receive in-patient treatment at first-class hospital wards are charged RM10 per day, while for second-class wards, RM5. No charge is imposed for Malaysians admitted to third-class wards.

For child delivery services (normal birth), citizens are charged RM300, RM150 and RM10 for first-, second-, and third-class wards, respectively.

The Health White Paper, first initiated by the previous administration, outlined four pillars and 15 health reform strategies aimed at systematically creating a more sustainable healthcare system over the next 15 years. - Mkini