KUALA LUMPUR: The country is committed to providing universal healthcare, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad in urging people not to believe false messages being forwarded on various social media platforms.
The Health Minister said the unity government has never increased the cost of hemodialysis treatments and does not plan to review any fees at this time.
"This kind of inaccurate and irresponsible messages must be stopped.
"Start with the spreading of authentic information from authoritative sources only," he said in a post on his official Facebook page on Sunday (Oct 20).
He said it was an old chain message that had resurfaced claiming that Malaysia is now heading towards "paid healthcare".
The resurfaced messages has since gone viral again claiming that hemodialysis is no longer free at Government hospitals.
Dr Dzulkefly said these charges have been around since 2016.
"Basic services at the any Malaysian Health Ministry facility remains at the rate of RM1, specialist services at RM5, and hemodialysis services at RM13 per session.
"When it comes to hemodialysis three times a week, usually the cost of the treatment is RM169 per month.
"There are many news sources from 2016 regarding these charge rates," he said.
He said that the government, especially under the Madani administration has repeatedly emphasised its commitment to maintain open access to health services.
"If you are not sure if it is true, do not share it," he said.
