Private Healthcare: The Stark Difference in Charges
Differing Charges in Private Healthcare
Several PKR MPs and a senator have pointed to the differing charges in private healthcare, calling for a detailed examination of the private medical fee structure. In a joint statement, they welcomed Bank Negara Malaysia’s move to regulate the rise in medical and health insurance/takaful premiums.
The Root Cause of High Insurance Premiums
The MPs emphasized that the root cause of high insurance premiums is high private hospital charges. They stated that in a briefing for MPs by BNM and the health ministry, they were informed that dengue patients with insurance guarantee letters pay RM4,978, while "pay and claim" patients only pay RM1,288.
Pneumonia Patients: A Stark Contrast
Pneumonia patients with guarantee letters pay RM6,859, while pay-and-claim patients only pay RM2,654. The MPs also received a complaint in which a cataract patient with insurance paid RM6,000 for treatment, while an uninsured patient paid RM3,000.
Accident Victims: A Shocking Difference
Accident victims are charged RM200,000 at private hospitals while those who go to Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz only pay RM70,000 to treat a broken leg. Why is there such a stark difference?
Hospital Supplies and Services: A Major Concern
The MPs noted that BNM also highlighted the charges for hospital supplies and services, which are 59-70% higher than drug bills. Moreover, there is a lack of government regulation over consumable items such as syringes, gloves, and gauze in hospitals.
The Need for Examination
The MPs believe that there is a need to examine the problem of high private hospital charges. A sustainable private hospital ecosystem will save public hospitals from overcrowding and ease government funding. This will help the B40 get better treatment from government hospitals.
Conclusion
The stark difference in charges between private hospitals and Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz raises concerns about the fairness and transparency of private healthcare in Malaysia. The PKR MPs’ call for a detailed examination of private medical fees is a step in the right direction towards addressing these concerns and ensuring that healthcare is accessible and affordable for all.
FAQs
Q: What are the differing charges in private healthcare?
A: PKR MPs have highlighted varying charges for patients with insurance guarantee letters and "pay and claim" patients.
Q: What are the root causes of high insurance premiums?
A: The MPs believe that high private hospital charges are the primary cause of high insurance premiums.
Q: How do hospital supplies and services contribute to high private hospital charges?
A: Charges for hospital supplies and services are 59-70% higher than drug bills, and there is a lack of government regulation over consumable items.
Q: What is the solution to address high private hospital charges?
A: A sustainable private hospital ecosystem that saves public hospitals from overcrowding and eases government funding will help the B40 get better treatment from government hospitals.