HEART-attack inducing. That was the observation of Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin on the ever-escalating cost of private healthcare.
In a parliamentary session last week, the PKR lawmaker pointed out that while doctor’s charges are governed by the Fee Act 1957, various extraneous hospital charges are not.
Sim went on to express shock when he was recently informed by his insurance agent that the premium would be increased by 40%. This was due to escalating hospital charges in the private sector.
Sharing his own experiences of such increasing charges, he cited the delivery charges of his three children which increased significantly even though it was a normal procedure – from RM2,000+ in 2010 to RM4,000+ (2012) and RM6,000+ (2014).
He urged Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to control charges by insurance companies, contending that this should not be the case of using “willing buyer, willing seller” as an excuse.
The 48-year-old three-term MP also reasoned that a person in need of medical attention would agree to anything.
It is only when they are presented with the bill that they get a “heart attack” and “faint”, alluding to the stark reality that those who declare that they are covered by insurance tend to be subject to exceptionally high charges at private hospitals.
As such, he urged the authorities to act as the consequence of such unchecked profiteering by both insurance companies and private hospitals would lead to more people seeking treatment in public facilities as they could no longer afford private healthcare.
This being an issue that affects every citizen, Sim’s social media post elicited plenty of responses. One netizen laid the blame squarely at the door of private hospitals, remarking that it was quite simply unethical.
Another lamented that it is the less well to do who loses out with private healthcare soon to become the sole preserve of the wealthy. He asked what is the use of a government if it is unable to control hospital charges and escalating insurance premiums?
One noted that the fees in private healthcare was rising faster than rates of inflation and increase in income.
Another echoed the sentiments of the MP by stating that hospital charges need to adhere to the national framework. The netizen further called on BNM and the Health Ministry to check the itemised bill “particularly (of) KPJ and Pantai Group” given their “annual earnings (are) off the roof”.
One commenter predicted that soon private healthcare would be the exclusive preserve of T20 segment. He also cited one insurance company’s policy of referring their clients to panel hospitals that do not have a history of over-charging.
Another netizen shared a clip with a doctor explaining how medical bills escalate, arguing that the private healthcare industry incentivises profit-making over the actual welfare of the patient.
One shared personal experience that despite high charges, the treatment was unsatisfactory, ultimately requiring admission into a public hospital. He expressed fear that such focus on profit-making could lead to a loss of life.
The problem is clear. So are the consequences. With more people displaying their ire, only time will tell if this Madani administration has the political will to enforce some checks and balances.
One netizen’s share of a comic perhaps summed it up best. – Nov 29, 2024
