Medical insurance scheme for migrant workers inadequate, says think tank

 

Since Jan 1, 2016, foreigners have assumed full responsibility for all expenses associated with medical treatment at government hospitals and clinics.

PETALING JAYA: A think tank has expressed concern over the adequacy of existing health insurance schemes for migrant workers in the country.

Azrul Khalib, CEO of the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy, said foreign workers encounter significant financial obstacles when trying to access healthcare services in Malaysia.

Azrul Mohd Khalib.

“Documented foreign workers are usually enrolled in the Foreign Workers Health Insurance Scheme (Spikpa),” he told FMT.

However, Azrul questioned whether the coverage offered to them is sufficient to meet their medical needs.

He also questioned whether the coverage purchased is actually delivered to the government.

Two weeks ago health director-general Dr Radzi Abu Hassan said that, as of end-2023, approximately RM100 million was owed by foreigners, particularly undocumented migrants, to the government in unpaid hospital bills. He said the ministry is presently in discussions over the matter.

According to Azrul, despite the cover, migrant workers usually end up paying for their medical expenses as the schemes they are enrolled in offer only limited coverage for hospitalisation and surgery charges at government hospitals.

As a result, he said many migrant workers, especially those who are undocumented, come in late for treatment for fear of having to incur high hospitalisation and treatment bills.

“The fear of persecution by the authorities has also kept many undocumented migrants from accessing healthcare until it becomes absolutely necessary, and more expensive,” he said.

Relying on information disclosed by the health ministry, Azrul said it is also likely that insurance payouts are not reaching the ministry. Alternatively, he said, the coverage purchased may not adequately address their healthcare needs.

Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz.

Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said, unlike legally employed migrant workers, undocumented migrants needing medical treatment do not have the necessary financial safety nets and are entirely reliant on their employers to fund their medical treatment.

“Employers who have hired undocumented workers might only be willing to fund their workers’ healthcare up to an extent,” she told FMT.

Azizan said a system needs to be put in place to ensure that all non-citizen patients pay for the medical care they receive.

“As the matter can be complicated, working out this mechanism will require engagement with stakeholders, including NGOs, for insights and input.

“We also urge the government to engage with the various foreign embassies on the issue of illegal immigration. There should be some accountability from countries if their citizens have entered Malaysia illegally,” she said.

Meanwhile, human rights activist Adrian Pereira said that migrants do not get equal access to healthcare in Malaysia. He said the removal of subsidies has inflated healthcare costs for them.

Since Jan 1, 2016, foreigners have assumed full responsibility for all expenses associated with medical treatment at government hospitals and clinics.

Then health minister Dr S. Subramaniam said the adjustment of healthcare subsidy for foreigners was part of cost-cutting measures implemented due to economic difficulties faced by the country. - FMT