PRESS STATEMENT
REVISED THIRTEENTH SCHEDULE, PRIVATE HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND SERVICES (PRIVATE HOSPITALS AND OTHER PRIVATE HEALTHCARE FACILITIES) REGULATIONS 2006
In consequence to the press statement issued by the Honourable Minister of Health Malaysia on 5 March 2014, and the articles appearing in the mass media; the Ministry would like to clarify on the issue of percentage of increase in the consultation fees for the practitioners.
In general, the average increase of 14.4% in professional fees covers mainly the procedural and performance fees. The revision of these fees which started in the year 2010, have taken into account the overall inflation rates and was based on the consumer price index specifically for healthcare for the year 2002 to 2010.
It was noted the consultation fees was increased from a range of RM10-RM35 to a new range of RM30-RM125 for the General Practitioners. It was agreed after much deliberation on the quantum imposed in relation to the services provided and taking into account of the rental costs at different locations of the facilities that varies greatly. In addition the duration of consultation may range from 5 mins to an hour or so, depending on cases and complexity, coupled with the variable level of expertise, competency and different types of clinical examination. Allowance was given to cap the upper or maximum range one can be charged.
This consultation fees are the range of chargeable fees with a ceiling rate specified to protect overcharging by private practitioners. As such, based on the Regulations of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, patients have the right to be informed of the estimated charges incurred prior to the initiation of care.
DATUK DR. NOOR HISHAM ABDULLAH
Director General of Health Malaysia
March 2014