Putrajaya eyes tougher rules to curb rising private healthcare fees
KUALA LUMPUR:
The health ministry is reviewing several amendments to the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586) to broaden its regulatory powers, particularly regarding overcharging at private hospitals.
Deputy health minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the move is crucial, noting that medical cost inflation and healthcare utilisation also involve the finance ministry, Bank Negara Malaysia and the insurance sector.
“We are studying appropriate amendments to extend Act 586’s scope. Besides consultation fees, we intend to cover several other charges as well to control healthcare inflation,” he told the Dewan Negara today.
He was responding to an additional question from Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran about the government’s steps to…
