Medical fee deregulation in early stages, says minister
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THE deregulation of fee structure for private medical practitioners is still in the early stages, with discussions ongoing and a cabinet paper on implementation yet to be tabled, said Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The ministry is having discussions with various groups, following the announcement on the deregulation on December 6.
“The move to deregulate fees is meant to return the power of choice to consumers.
“If fees become too high, the ministry has its own way of controlling it.
“Private clinics or hospitals which charge exorbitantly will become less in demand among consumers,” he told reporters after an event at the KL Sentral station today.
The ministry last month announced that it was deregulating the fee structure after the cabinet agreed to abolish control of fees by private medical practitioners under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services (Private Medical Clinics and Private Dental Clinics) Regulations 2006.
The fee schedule has not been amended since it was enforced in 2006.
Dzulkefly said a memorandum on the specifics of abolishing the fee structure will be tabled to the cabinet.
“Among others, consultation fees must be displayed clearly on the door of the clinic so consumers are informed before receiving treatment.”
Those unhappy with fees charged or with the quality of service can lodge a complaint with the ministry’s Private Medical Practice Control Section at ckaps.aduan@moh.gov.my. – January 7, 2020.