(Miri 28th) Miri Member of Parliament Chiew Choon Man stated in Parliament that, as last year's white paper from the Ministry of Health pointed out, multiple factors have combined to cause the current healthcare system, particularly the public sector, to be overburdened and lagging. Over the past few decades, our healthcare system has had to face new challenges, such as changes in lifestyle, urbanization, and the impacts on planetary health. All these have brought significant operational and financial pressure.
He said that besides continuing to support the public healthcare system, the government should also focus on the private healthcare sector, as Malaysia's healthcare system is a hybrid system consisting of both public and private healthcare. In fact, the private sector healthcare system is an alternative to the public sector, helping to reduce congestion in the public system. However, we must acknowledge that the costs of private medical services and health insurance premiums have become a burden that the people, particularly the M40 and B40 groups, cannot afford.
Chiew Choon Man pointed out during the parliamentary discussion on the Ministry of Health's financial budget that we have raised the issue of increasing medical insurance premiums. In recent years, we have frequently received complaints of medical insurance premiums rising by 30% to 50%, with some even doubling. Usually, the cause of this increase is rising medical costs.
"I am not here to create any organization, but we should also ensure that negative practices occurring in countries like the United States do not recur and happen in Malaysia, such as collusion in charges, medical bill fraud, and sudden increases in premiums."
He said in last year's white paper from the Ministry of Health, the government proposed exploring a progressive contribution plan as a measure to ensure sustainable health funding. In this regard, I urge the Ministry of Health to work with the Ministry of Finance to carry out the following tasks:
1. Investigate the real reasons for the increase in private health insurance fees to ensure the increase is reasonable and does not involve unethical behavior.
2. Ensure the fee increases are reasonable, consistent with the rise in medical costs, and do not pursue unreasonable profits.
3. Launch special contribution plans, such as providing more affordable and inclusive health insurance for Malaysians.
4. Ensure the private healthcare market ecosystem, from service providers' fees to insurance, operates fairly according to healthy transaction principles.
"According to the current trend, health insurance premiums will rise to an unaffordable level. Therefore, the government needs to intervene in this issue. Especially the M40 group, who previously relied on health insurance for private healthcare services, if forced to shift entirely to public services, will further exacerbate the already overwhelmed public hospitals. We cannot allow this situation to happen as it directly affects the well-being of the people and the effectiveness of our healthcare system."
Chiew Choon Man urged the government to take active measures immediately to resolve this issue. Our healthcare system is an invaluable national asset, and we must ensure that all levels of society have access to this system, regardless of their economic background.
Chiew Choon Man pointed out during the parliamentary discussion on the Ministry of Health's financial budget that we have raised the issue of increasing medical insurance premiums. In recent years, we have frequently received complaints of medical insurance premiums rising by 30% to 50%, with some even doubling. Usually, the cause of this increase is rising medical costs.
"I am not here to create any organization, but we should also ensure that negative practices occurring in countries like the United States do not recur and happen in Malaysia, such as collusion in charges, medical bill fraud, and sudden increases in premiums."
He said in last year's white paper from the Ministry of Health, the government proposed exploring a progressive contribution plan as a measure to ensure sustainable health funding. In this regard, I urge the Ministry of Health to work with the Ministry of Finance to carry out the following tasks:
1. Investigate the real reasons for the increase in private health insurance fees to ensure the increase is reasonable and does not involve unethical behavior.
2. Ensure the fee increases are reasonable, consistent with the rise in medical costs, and do not pursue unreasonable profits.
3. Launch special contribution plans, such as providing more affordable and inclusive health insurance for Malaysians.
4. Ensure the private healthcare market ecosystem, from service providers' fees to insurance, operates fairly according to healthy transaction principles.
"According to the current trend, health insurance premiums will rise to an unaffordable level. Therefore, the government needs to intervene in this issue. Especially the M40 group, who previously relied on health insurance for private healthcare services, if forced to shift entirely to public services, will further exacerbate the already overwhelmed public hospitals. We cannot allow this situation to happen as it directly affects the well-being of the people and the effectiveness of our healthcare system."
Chiew Choon Man urged the government to take active measures immediately to resolve this issue. Our healthcare system is an invaluable national asset, and we must ensure that all levels of society have access to this system, regardless of their economic background.