Govt Won T Block Gps March Against Price Display Rule Says Dzulkefly

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 Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad says he is open to receiving any memorandum from the doctors taking part in Tuesday’s rally.
Private GPs will gather outside the health ministry in Putrajaya on Tuesday to march to the Prime Minister’s Office in protest against the mandatory drug price display rule.PETALING JAYA: The health ministry will not stop general practitioners from taking part in their planned march to the Prime Minister’s Office on May 6 to protest against the mandatory display of drug prices
Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad expressed confidence the GPs would carry out the protest in a respectful and civil manner, adding that he was open to receiving any memorandum from them, Bernama reported.
“I cannot stop them, but honestly, I want them to understand what the ministry and I, as the minister, have been fighting for on their behalf.
“They need to know that I have fought for Schedule 7 (regarding the GPs’ fee review),” he was quoted as saying after an event in Kuala Selangor today.
The protest, organised by the Malaysian Medical Association’s private general medical practitioners section, will see doctors gathering outside the health ministry’s office in Putrajaya at 10am.
The MMA had criticised Putrajaya for going ahead with the enforcement of the mandatory drug price display rule, particularly for failing to consult GPs and implementing the policy under a non-medical law.
They argue that the rule should fall under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 and be delayed until a review of the GPs’ consultation fees.
Dzulkefly also said the review of the GPs’ consultation fees would be finalised within the next month, with a Cabinet memorandum and circular expected to be tabled soon.
“As soon as I table them and get the approval from the Cabinet, it (the fee increase) will be implemented because the national action council on cost of living (Naccol) has agreed to the fee review,” he said.
Earlier this year, Dzulkefly had indicated that the revised consultation fees for private medical practitioners would be announced before May 1.
The fees are part of Schedule 7 of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586). - FMT

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