Pac Urges Govt To Tap Local Firms To Cut Healthcare Costs

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The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is pushing the government to tap into local companies to ease the strain on Malaysia’s healthcare system.
ADSPAC member and Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin highlighted that many local medical firms could play a bigger role.
“We will examine the monopoly on medicines as well as the ecosystem of medical equipment and MRI services. We will see whether there are local companies in Malaysia that can provide or offer the necessary medical services.
“There are many medical equipment manufacturers in this country, such as in Penang. In my constituency in Bayan Baru, 30 companies export medical equipment overseas.
“If they can supply to hospitals in Malaysia, I believe the cost (of medical charges) would be much cheaper,” Sim (above) said at a press conference after a public hearing in Parliament on rising health insurance premiums, takaful, private hospital charges, and their impact on public health.
He added that the PAC has received a flood of complaints about soaring insurance premiums and private hospital fees.
“The main issue raised is the increase in insurance prices and excessively high private hospital charges. There is a clear price difference between those using a guarantee letter and those paying on their own,” he said.
He stressed that the PAC takes this matter seriously, as it is becoming a heavy burden on Malaysians.
Other concerns
“In addition to these two major issues, there are other concerns, such as medicines and public hospitals, where those who cannot afford insurance are forced to seek treatment at government hospitals, leading to overcrowding.
“Healthcare is a fundamental human right, and we need a well-functioning healthcare system. I see a need to reform this ecosystem, which is why PAC has initiated proceedings to address this issue,” he said.
He added that all findings from the proceedings would be reviewed, including whether legal amendments are needed.
Sim pointed out that Bank Negara had previously reported that pneumonia treatment costs were three times higher, while dengue treatment costs were four times higher in certain cases.
“This is something confirmed by Bank Negara and must be thoroughly investigated. If we need to amend laws, we will, and identify which laws need to be changed.
“There are many issues, and they do not only involve the private healthcare sector but also Bank Negara,” he added. - Mkini

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