THERE has not been a sharp increase in the number of patients moving from private to government hospitals based on the latest data, according to the Health Ministry.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said in 2019, the ministry recorded 1,602 patients from private hospitals referred to government hospitals while in 2022, it was 1,604 patients.
“It means that there is not a significant increase,” he said, citing the latest data from 2019 to 2022.
“Nonetheless, the ministry will keep tabs on the matter.”
He was addressing concerns of MPs that the increase in private healthcare fees and insurance premiums will push patients from private hospitals to seek treatment at government facilities, thus burdening the public healthcare system.
Lukanisman also noted that private healthcare is regulated under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586).
“From January till Nov 27, 720 complaints against private healthcare have been received,” he said.
To tackle issues of overcharging by private hospitals, the ministry is currently developing the diagnostic-related group (DRG) payment scheme, he said.
This system will charge patients based on the category and severity of their diagnosis rather than itemise each procedure and medicine.
Lukanisman said this is to ensure the M40 and B40 groups will make well-informed choices when it comes to treatment in the private sector and not worry about being charged excessively.
“The ministry is in discussion with the Finance Ministry to implement the DRG concept nationwide in university, military and private hospitals,” he said.
