Rakan Kkm A Public Initiative Says Health Minister

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 Dzulkefly Ahmad addresses concerns that the initiative is a form of privatisation.
Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said Rakan KKM will be funded by the government or GLICs, although his ministry will be responsible for deciding on matters related to the company’s management. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad clarified last night that Rakan KKM, a programme offering “premium economy” services at selected public hospitals, is a public initiative
In a post on X, Dzulkefly said Rakan KKM Sdn Bhd was 100%-owned by the Minister of Finance Incorporated.
He added that GLICs could take an equity stake in Rakan KKM.
“Ownership of Rakan KKM remains with the government, directly or through GLICs, throughout its operations,” Dzulkefly said, addressing concerns that the initiative was a form of privatisation.
He also said that Rakan KKM would be funded by the government or GLICs, although the health ministry would be responsible for deciding on matters related to the company’s management.
He reiterated that apart from providing premium economy, value-based healthcare services, excess revenue from Rakan KKM would be used to cross-subsidise the services for public patients.
It will also support the retention of public healthcare workers by providing opportunities to increase their incomes as well as moderate medical price inflation.
Dzulkefly’s clarification came a week after he was reported by Bernama as saying that the Rakan KKM initiative was not a form of privatisation, but aimed at improving access to elective procedures at public healthcare facilities.
Last night, he also explained why Rakan KKM was licensed under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act or Act 586.
He said those responsible for drafting Act 586 had anticipated the possibility that the government would provide health services through a corporate body.
“This is important to ensure a level playing field with the private sector, especially if Rakan KKM is to play a role as a price benchmark,” he said.
He said the law clearly states that government corporate bodies should be regulated under Act 586. - FMT

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