Exorbitant charges rile up patients at Malaysia’s private hospitals

PETALING JAYA - Ever increasing fees at private healthcare facilities in Malaysia are leaving patients reeling, as basic services such as temperature checks and wound dressings come at a premium.

This financial strain is prompting some to explore more affordable options at public hospitals.

Ms Fazureena Hashim, 40, claimed that private hospitals charge for every little thing, resulting in significant expenses compared to government hospitals.

“Private healthcare personnel bill you for everything they do, including minor things like checking your temperature or drawing blood, which should be included in the main fee.

“I do not understand why these private hospitals charge close to RM10 (S$3) for cotton swabs and alcohol swabs.

“And this depends on how frequently you need to do wound dressing,” said the lecturer, who had sought treatment for a ear, nose and throat complaint.

Ms Stephanie Lim, 63, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, switched from a private hospital to a government facility for her medical consultation and medication.

“I have knee pain and I used to go see a consultant at private hospital for treatment and it was very expensive... in the end I could not afford it.

“I started going to the government hospital instead,” she said.

The retiree said that she did not mind the longer waiting times at the public hospital as the cost savings for her treatment were worth it.

Mr Mario Jaganathan, 24, said that when he was admitted for acute tonsillitis at a private hospital recently, he was charged several hundred ringgit each time the doctor visited the ward for check-ups.

He also claimed he had to take additional tests for Covid-19 and influenza that cost over RM200 each, which he found unnecessary.

“One of the antibiotics that I was prescribed cost RM2,000 for 10 tablets.

“Because of this, most time they check if a patient has insurance because they know how expensive their services are.

“A single 10-minute consultation costs RM200 and after tax and medical prescriptions from the hospital pharmacy, you end up having to fork out RM800 or more,” said Mr Mario.

The escalating private hospital fees have prompted Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad to urge the private healthcare sector to control costs for the benefit of citizens.

Speaking at the launch of the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia Fact Book on Nov 13, he said the significant rise in fees was alarming and needed to be addressed. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK