KUALA LUMPUR: Several PKR MPs are starting an initiative to collect public feedback on skyrocketing private hospital fees and medical insurance premiums, pledging to examine the complaints and propose solutions to the government, says Sim Tze Tzin.
The Bayan Baru MP highlighted the financial burden faced by Malaysians due to unchecked private hospital charges, citing examples such as a RM19,000 bill for a routine procedure and soaring maternity costs.
“In 2010, this is my own experience - we delivered a baby in a private hospital at a cost of RM2,000. In 2012 it was RM4,000 and by 2014, it had risen to RM6,000,” he said during a press conference at the Parliament building here on Wednesday (Nov 20).
He said while medical procedures are regulated under the Fees Act, other hospital charges remain uncontrolled.
“Private hospitals often ask, ‘Do you have insurance?’. Patients with insurance are charged exorbitant amounts and have no choice but to pay,” he said.
Sim warned that escalating costs could push middle-income groups (M40) to rely on public hospitals, further straining an already overburdened system and affecting access for low-income (B40) patients.
The issue extends to rising medical insurance premiums, which Sim said are increasing by as much as 40%.
He criticised Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) for allowing insurers to adjust premiums under existing agreements, despite its role as a financial regulator.
“If price hikes for goods are penalised under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act, why are hospital charges and insurance premiums left unchecked?” he asked.
Sim also pointed to practices in the UK, where insurance policies must use plain language to ensure transparency and prevent misleading terms.
“This initiative invites Malaysians to share their experiences by emailing complaints to aduan.pkr.hospital.insurans@gmail.com.
“We will review all complaints and take necessary action to help the public, including proposing solutions to the government,” Sim said.
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