The National Heart Institute's (IJN) request to increase patient fees by 10 to 40 percent will be discussed with the Finance Ministry, said Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
This is because IJN is within the jurisdiction of the Finance Ministry, he explained.
"IJN is under the Finance Ministry, and the Health Ministry is a client of IJN.
"What is happening now is a decision from IJN. We will discuss and examine the reasons behind the increase in costs or fees they are imposing on patients," he said during a press conference after the Dewan Rakyat passed the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Bill 2024 today.
Last Thursday, newly appointed IJN chief executive officer Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib said that it had requested a fee hike of up to 40 percent for its patients.
Ezani called for a review of the fee structure as it has remained unchanged for 21 years and now needs to account for inflation and rising costs.
He pointed out that healthcare costs have increased, but IJN has still been charging the original rates set for the government in 2003.
Impact on Health Ministry
Lukanisman elaborated that more discussions are needed as IJN's request will also affect the Health Ministry.
"It will have an impact on the Health Ministry because we still refer patients to IJN.
"We cannot influence the fees imposed because IJN is not under the ministry," he added.
Earlier today, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Bill 2024, which includes a provision to increase the maximum penalty to RM5,000 for those who violate public health laws.
The bill was passed with a majority vote after its third reading, following a debate.
Fine lower than other countries
In concluding the debate on the bill, Lukanisman said the RM5,000 amount is the maximum limit, and actual fines will be imposed based on the severity of the offence to ensure fairness and balance.
The deputy minister emphasised that the main purpose of increasing the fine is to ensure better compliance with regulations, especially preventive measures against infectious diseases.
"Malaysia is still taking a reasonable and balanced approach in setting the penalty, which has not been revised for nearly 35 years.
"In Singapore, fines for Category A infectious diseases can reach up to S$10,000 (RM33,000) for the first offence and S$20,000 for repeated offences.
"In New Zealand, the fine for the first offence is NZ$500 (RM1,300), and it can increase by NZ$50 per day for ongoing violations. This shows that fines can rise significantly if the offence continues. Serious violations can even attract fines of up to NZ$10,000," he added.
Lukanisman, who is also the Sibuti MP, said that Malaysia's maximum fine is more reasonable compared to other countries and can act as a preventive measure against those who break public health laws.
He added that the fine is not overly burdensome for the public and takes into account the well-being and socio-economic conditions of the country.
"The fines will be imposed based on any compoundable offences under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 or any regulations made under the Act.
"Imagine if the people don't take infectious disease control laws seriously, causing the continuous spread of diseases leading to outbreaks and pandemics.
"(This would lead to) increased need for admissions to hospitals and intensive care units, as well as higher death rate. It would cause the cost borne by the government to manage infectious disease cases to increase excessively," he said. - Mkini
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