IPOH, 21 DECEMBER – Perak State Health Director, Dr. Feisul Idzwan Mustapha, emphasized that the demand for public healthcare services in the state has surged significantly, even before the anticipated rise in medical insurance premiums next year.
According to him, this situation reflects the major challenges the public healthcare system will face, especially as the middle-income group (M40) shifts towards government hospitals and clinics due to skyrocketing medical costs and insurance premiums.
“We have seen a noticeable increase in the number of patients seeking treatment at public facilities, particularly for specialist care and chronic illnesses. This strain is expected to worsen when insurance premiums increase by 40% to 70% next year,” Dr. Feisul stated.
MEDICAL INFLATION IN MALAYSIA
Recent reports indicate that Malaysia’s medical inflation rate has reached 12.6% in 2023, significantly higher than the global average of 5.6%.
This rise is driven by factors such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), an aging population, and expensive medical advancements.
The M40 group, already struggling with the rising cost of living, is expected to cancel their insurance policies, leaving them financially exposed to unforeseen medical emergencies.
PRESSURE ON PUBLIC HOSPITALS
Government hospitals are becoming increasingly overcrowded with more patients. Public healthcare facilities face:
Longer waiting times
Overcrowded wards
Overburdened healthcare workers
“We need more resources and workforce to handle the rising patient numbers. If this issue is not addressed promptly, our public healthcare system will continue to face heavy pressure,” Dr. Feisul added.
CONTROVERSY OVER PREMIUM HIKES
Insurance companies claim that rising medical costs are the primary reason behind premium hikes. However, public health experts and consumers dispute this justification, urging insurers to provide transparent data on claims inflation and administrative costs.
CONCERNS ABOUT PRIVATE HOSPITAL CHARGES
The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy warns that medical inflation and unregulated private hospital charges could have severe financial impacts on the population.
There is currently no regulatory body monitoring private hospital fees, exposing consumers to risks of overcharging and unnecessary tests.
The CEO of the Galen Centre, Azrul Khalib, calls on the government to establish an independent commission to regulate medical charges in private hospitals and prevent patient exploitation.
HEALTHCARE SYSTEM REFORM
The Health White Paper tabled by the Ministry of Health (MoH) last year highlighted the need to:
Enhance preventive healthcare
Control long-term medical costs
Ensure fair and affordable access to medical services
“This healthcare system reform is crucial to ensure all Malaysians, regardless of income, have access to quality medical care,” Azrul emphasized.
CONCLUSION
The rise in medical costs and insurance premiums continues to be a pressing issue in Malaysia. The M40 group is expected to bear the brunt of this, with the public healthcare system anticipating a surge in patients in the near future.
The government and relevant stakeholders must act swiftly to address this issue to ensure the nation’s healthcare system remains sustainable and does not overly burden the population.
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