Health Minister: To Prevent Unlimited Private Medical Fee Increases, Regulation Expected Mid Next Year

(Kuala Lumpur, 14th) Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad revealed that the Ministry of Health will introduce the DRG (Diagnosis Related Groups) system to regulate private medical service fees, preventing medical costs from rising indefinitely and is expected to be officially launched by mid-next year.
He said that at the same time, the Ministry is working with the Ministry of Finance, Bank Negara, and the insurance industry to introduce the Malaysian Health Insurance Trust (MHIT), to reduce excessively high out-of-pocket expenditures (currently at 36%), and to gradually guide the whole population into a more sustainable healthcare financing model. This will help relieve the overcrowding in public healthcare and enable the middle class and other groups to better afford private healthcare.

Additionally, he said that digital reform is also a top priority. The Ministry of Health's CCMS (Cloud Clinic Management System) is being rapidly implemented nationwide, with a new clinic system being established on average every 1.4 days.

“In the future, we want to achieve ‘one person, one health record’, where regardless of public or private, information can be shared, improving efficiency.”
He emphasized that healthcare reform requires co-operation between public and private partnerships, and needs the participation and support of the entire population, only then can a more resilient, fair, and modern healthcare system be built to meet future challenges.
Dzulkefly Ahmad mentioned that as for the review of the Seventh Schedule of Law 586, which regulates the consultation and procedural fees of general practitioners in private clinics, “I have raised this in the Cabinet many times, although not yet completely successful, but I believe it is an issue that must be resolved.” At the same time, the situation of general practitioners is also a focus of his attention.
“I know about 50% of general practitioners are still struggling to maintain operations. We must seek a way out for them to ensure they can continue to serve society.”
He made these remarks at the Malaysian Medical Association’s 65th Anniversary Dinner on Saturday (13th).

Newly appointed Malaysian Medical Association chairman Datuk Dr. Arasu stated that he will lead the association with three clear commitments. The first is to empower doctors to play a leadership role, meaning every doctor, whether at a rural clinic or in an academic institution, must be recognized for the leadership they provide in shaping the healthcare field.
“The second is to advocate for fair policies, from general practitioners’ charges to contract positions, from third-party managed organizations to forensic reform, we will pursue transformation to restore fairness and sustainability.”
“The third is professional autonomy for doctors. Doctors must not only participate in decision-making but must be genuinely involved. Our professional knowledge must shape policy, not just support it.”

He also expressed sympathy for doctors in government hospitals. The challenges for government doctors start from their first day as interns—long working hours, heavy workloads, and sometimes a hostile environment, which pushes many to their limits.
“A zero-bullying policy is an important first step. We must protect our doctors, just as they safeguard the nation’s health.”
Additionally, concerning forensic doctor Dr. Khoo Jing Jing who faced threats while conducting autopsies, Arasu stressed that all doctors must have their safety guaranteed.
Discussing general practitioners, he pointed out that outdated consultation schedules, medical expenses, and the practices of third-party managed organizations are threatening the sustainability of primary care.
“If Malaysia is to realize affordable healthcare, private clinics must remain sustainable. Without them, even more patients would flood the already overwhelmed government healthcare facilities.”

At the event, Malaysian Medical Association Foundation chairman Professor Jeya Kumar handed over cheques to three beneficiary organizations: the Child Protection Society, the Little Sisters of the Poor, and the Penang Islamic Orphanage Welfare Association, each receiving RM5,000.
During the dinner, anti-smoking advocate Professor Dato’ Leela also launched her autobiography.