Doctors Sound Alarm Claim Rakan Kkm Unfairly Favours The Rich

---

 


The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) urged the Health Ministry (MOH) to address concerns that its Rakan KKM (Health Ministry Friends) initiative is unfair, as richer patients would get faster services.
“There is growing apprehension that wealthier patients could be given faster access to services through this model within public facilities, effectively creating a two-tiered system.
“Such an outcome would undermine the principles of universal health coverage, which are built on fairness and equal access to care for all, regardless of socioeconomic status,” said MMA president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira in a statement today.
Earlier today, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said Rakan KKM aims to provide “premium economy value-based healthcare services” where excess revenue from the programme will be used to subsidise services for public patients.
ADSHe said it also supports public healthcare workers by increasing their income.
He went on to deny claims that the initiative is a form of privatisation, saying Rakan KKM Sdn Bhd is 100 percent owned by the Minister of Finance Incorporated, with MOH as the regulatory ministry.
Health Minister Dzulkefly AhmadConcern about more burden for doctors
Commenting further, Kalwinder pressed MOH to disclose details of the initiative’s manpower, adding that it might strain an already struggling healthcare workforce.
“With severe shortages of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals in public facilities, it is crucial that MOH clarify whether Rakan KKM will involve the secondment of government staff, external recruitment, or a transition of existing clinical and non-clinical personnel out of the public system.
“Concerns on whether existing MOH resources, such as infrastructure, equipment, and administrative support, will be utilised for services provided under this initiative also need to be addressed,” he said.
Kalwinder noted regulatory oversight was also a concern, saying Rakan KKM applied for licensing under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
There have been concerns that this would classify the company as a private healthcare service provider.
“As this is a government initiative, to be regulated by another arm of the government, public trust in its transparency, accountability, and compliance with healthcare standards must be assured,” he asserted.
Last year, Dzulkefly stood by the government’s proposal for the initiative, which was mooted as the expansion of private wings at public hospitals as part of a hybrid model to address the financial sustainability of public healthcare. - Mkini

---