Charges of govt hospitals, clinics to be revised

SHAH ALAM - The low fee structure charged at government clinics, hospitals and health facilities will be reviewed and revised to better match the people’s ability to pay.

Based on the Health White Paper document, the reform was proposed to better target healthcare subsidies.

In addition, the White Paper explained that the move was made to ensure equality in health financing and that low-income households were able to pay for health care services.

“The low fee rate charged at public health care facilities is one of the features of the country’s health system that is greatly appreciated by the people, which allows access to the health system at an affordable cost.

“Yet, the same fee structure for all has contributed to a disparity between the fees charged versus the cost of provision and ability to pay, particularly among high-income households.

“To improve the sustainability of public health care financing, the fee rates charged at public health care facilities will be reviewed to match the level of affordability,” according to the document.

The 57-page White Paper document also suggested that the safety net for low-income households be maintained.

Therefore, the option of a progressive contribution scheme would be studied to diversify sources to ensure the sustainability of health financing.

“A package of health benefits that lists health services and medicines accessible to the people, whether in the public or private sector with reasonable fee rates will be developed.

“The benefits package will be financed through a dedicated health fund under the management of a not-for-profit Strategic Buyer governed through effective reporting and overview.

“This effort increases the sharing of health and financial risks among the people while reducing out-of-pocket expenses and harmful expenses,” the document read.

The reformation of the health system proposed in the Health White Paper was long-term in nature, adapted to new information and technology and better methods or models.

Therefore, the strategy proposed in the document could be improved during the reform period on the recommendation of the government, the reform monitoring body, or the Special Select Committee of Parliament after debate and discussion in Parliament.