Malaysia benefits from a fairly good health system with both public and private hospitals within reach.
The country has decent hospitals, well trained medical personnel and often healthcare commendable services.
But the large number of patients seeking medical treatment can lead to inordinate delays, with appointments sometimes taking months.
Still, public healthcare is virtually free for all citizens at public hospitals and clinics – a remarkable achievement since independence.
As the population grows, more district and general hospitals will be required. Plans for new hospitals depend on the population in surrounding areas.
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Currently, some public hospitals in the country like the Kuala Lumpur Hospital have earned a commendable reputation. They treat patients from KL and serve as referral hospitals for other public facilities across the country.
Public clinics like the Tanglin outpatient clinic in Lake Gardens, KL, are also well-regarded. This government-run clinic draws both ordinary people and those arriving in luxury vehicles.
However, both public hospitals and government clinics face heavy workloads. Private hospitals should step forward to fulfil their social obligations and complement the government’s efforts.
Private hospitals offer treatment without delay for those who can pay or have insurance or company coverage. Others have to rely on public hospitals.
Against this backdrop, the lack of reasonably priced private healthcare services is of concern. Many people, particularly older adults and pensioners, sometimes have no choice but to use private clinics and medical centres. But the medical charges are a burden on their finances, especially when they are no longer working.
Health Minister’s Dzulkefly Ahmad’s recent advice to private healthcare providers about restraining their increasing charges comes as medical inflation in Malaysia reaches 12.5%.
Private hospitals established by companies complement the public healthcare system. However, many patients avoid seeking treatment at these hospitals due to concerns about the charges.
Patients report numerous challenging experiences when facing excessive medical bills.
Even those with insurance coverage may hesitate as their medical costs may exceed their policy limits. The patients and their families must then pay the balances, which is often substantial.
Many struggle to find money to settle bills, sometimes even resorting to loan sharks.
The minister should follow up on his recent call to maintain high standards of medical service. He should request the Ministry of Health to work with private hospitals to ensure their bills remain affordable.
The private healthcare sector faces challenges with overall costs rising annually. These include annual licence renewals, salaries, statutory employees’ contributions and maintenance costs.
The MoH should dialogue with the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) on cost reduction measures to make private medical treatment more affordable.
A win-win solution will benefit all parties. MoH can assist and channel its views to APHM on cost reduction measures, while the former can assist the latter by slashing down red tape enabling private hospitals to reduce costs.
This would benefit the government, private hospitals and the people. It would relieve pressure on public hospitals and clinics, and allow private hospitals to meet social concerns.
Private hospitals can collaborate to leverage higher purchasing volumes and negotiate better prices with suppliers and reduce costs. Bulk purchasing power could lead to lower costs, which can then be passed on to patients through lower bills.
Healthcare continues to evolve with technological transformations and developments in the pharmaceutical industry, through innovations in medicines and medical services. Private hospitals need to find ways to offer quality medical services while keeping fees affordable.
This is a tough challenge, but collaboration between the MoH and private hospitals offers hope for meeting the people’s healthcare expectations.
Inflation has resulted in rising costs of medicines, equipment and other expenses. These have been passed on to patients.
However, social considerations should take precedence as good healthcare is not a luxury but a necessity for the people. Ordinary people should have access to affordable, quality healthcare, which should not be confined to the rich.
Perhaps now is the time to consider introducing a national health insurance scheme for the people.
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Thank you for highlighting a critical area of pressinh need.Health care is an essential need.The high cost at private hospitals has made this essential service a means to profit from lucratively.This is not ethical.
Private health care is a business and profit as the main objective for its shareholders especially those with substantial investment amounts.
Only way to achieve reasonable costs for private health care may be for Government to ensure affordable charges for quality health care at taxpayers funded facilities.
Bless all