Private Hospitals Must Balance Profits with Patient Welfare
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has urged private hospitals owned by government-linked companies (GLC) to adjust their prices to balance their goal of making profits with ensuring the welfare of patients.
A Balancing Act
Fomca deputy president Paul Selva Raj acknowledged that the priority of private hospitals is on profits, but said this means that they are too pricey for regular Malaysians. With the intake of medical insurance in Malaysia relatively low and patients having to face long waits at government hospitals, Fomca believes that private healthcare needs to be "humanised".
GLC-Owned Private Hospitals
Several major hospital corporations are GLCs, and Fomca is urging these companies to change their priorities. Instead of just focussing on profits and share value, GLC-owned private hospitals should find a balance between profits and value for patient welfare. Their key performance indicators should not just be profits but patients’ needs and welfare. They should contribute to the national interest of reducing the burden on public hospitals.
State GLCs
State GLC Johor Corporation has a 32.24% stake in KPJ Healthcare Berhad, which boasts multiple private hospitals across the country. On the other hand, sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd held a 25.94% stake in IHH Healthcare Bhd as of September this year. Among private hospitals under IHH Healthcare are Gleneagles, Prince Court and Pantai.
A Call to Action
Paul said the unity government should direct these private hospitals run by GLCs to change their priorities, emphasizing more on patient care while making reasonable profits. He acknowledged that this was contrary to market-driven practices but said it would reflect Putrajaya’s sincerity in focussing on the people’s welfare.
Concerns about Private Wings in Public Hospitals
He also expressed concern that setting up private wings in public hospitals would see these hospitals, most of which were already at maximum capacity, neglecting poor and vulnerable patients with resources being spread to the private wings.
Rakan MOH Programme
The initiative, dubbed the Rakan MOH programme, will see Putrajaya expanding private wings at government-run hospitals, targeting patients from the M40 income group. This is aimed at improving public healthcare standards and boosting its financial sustainability. Such services are currently available at 10 public hospitals.
Ministry’s Response
Yesterday, deputy health minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the ministry will impose a cap on the amount of time doctors and specialists can allocate to these private wing patients. He told the Dewan Rakyat that the ministry will not allow public hospitals to be overstrained by this initiative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fomca is urging private hospitals owned by GLC to balance their profits with patient welfare. This is a crucial step in ensuring that all patients, regardless of their income group, receive quality healthcare. By prioritizing patient care, private hospitals can contribute to the national interest of reducing the burden on public hospitals.
FAQs
Q: Why is Fomca urging private hospitals to balance their profits with patient welfare?
A: Fomca believes that private hospitals should prioritize patient care while making reasonable profits, rather than solely focusing on profits.
Q: What are the concerns about setting up private wings in public hospitals?
A: Fomca is concerned that setting up private wings in public hospitals will see these hospitals neglecting poor and vulnerable patients with resources being spread to the private wings.
Q: What is the Rakan MOH programme?
A: The Rakan MOH programme is an initiative to expand private wings at government-run hospitals, targeting patients from the M40 income group, with the aim of improving public healthcare standards and boosting its financial sustainability.