AN MCA leader has warned that rising private healthcare costs and medical insurance premiums could place greater strain on Malaysia’s public healthcare system as more patients turn to government hospitals for treatment.
MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon’s remarks came after Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib recently stated that public hospitals cannot shoulder the country’s healthcare needs alone, underscoring the importance of cooperation between the public and private healthcare sectors.
While agreeing that both sectors have a role to play, Dr Mah said this should not be used to justify unchecked increases in private hospital charges or insurance premiums.
“Private healthcare providers play an important role in supporting national healthcare capacity, but healthcare must remain patient-centred. Profit considerations cannot come at the expense of affordability, transparency and access to treatment,” he remarked.
He noted that escalating treatment costs and insurance premiums were already driving more Malaysians to seek medical care at government hospitals, adding that this trend would continue to increase pressure on public healthcare facilities if left unaddressed.
Dr Mah also referenced concerns previously raised by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which found instances where private hospital patients were billed separately for basic items such as alcohol swabs, pillowcases and plastic waste-bin liners, particularly for patients using guarantee letters (GLs) from insurers.
“Such practices raise serious concerns over fairness and transparency. Patients should not be burdened with unclear or unexpected charges, especially when seeking treatment during vulnerable moments,” he added.
At the same time, Dr Mah said the Health Ministry (MOH) would require stronger support and resources to cope with rising demand for specialist services, hospital facilities and healthcare manpower.
He welcomed the increase in healthcare funding from RM45.3 bil in Budget 2025 to RM46.5 bil in Budget 2026, but said further investment was needed to upgrade hospitals, modernise equipment, retain healthcare professionals and reduce waiting times.
“A sustainable healthcare system requires shared responsibility. The government cannot expect public hospitals to absorb rising demand indefinitely while private healthcare costs continue to soar unchecked,” he continued.
To address the issue, Dr Mah proposed several measures, including stronger regulation of private healthcare charges through clearer cost disclosures before treatment, closer scrutiny of insurance premium increases, tighter oversight of hospital billing practices, expanded public-private healthcare partnerships and greater investment in preventive healthcare and primary care.
“Healthcare should not become an area where patients are forced to choose between financial hardship and receiving necessary treatment,” he emphasised.
“Affordability, transparency, accountability and patient welfare must remain at the centre of Malaysia’s healthcare system.” ‒ June 30, 2026
Main image: The Star
