PETALING JAYA: The fee increases introduced by Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) should have been done gradually, says public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh (pic).
This would allow the public to cope with the new fees instead of a steep rise that was implemented rather abruptly, she said.
However, Dr Sharifa who is from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, is of the view that UMMC’s move to raise charges is justified.
“Healthcare costs are indeed rising and teaching hospitals, especially, operate at higher costs due to the usage of brand name drugs and the latest medical equipment.
“Hence, such rise is unavoidable to sustain operations,” she said when contacted.
She also explained that UMMC’s administration came under the scope of the Education Ministry.
“As such, it is not obligatory for teaching hospitals such as UMMC to consult MPs prior to raising its rates,” she added.
Dr Sharifa was asked about remarks from Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil, who is Communications Minister, that he disagreed with the fee hike, although he also acknowledged that the increase was unavoidable due to UMMC’s role as a teaching hospital.
As such, Fahmi said the Lembah Pantai constituency would raise money to help those in need.
In response, Dr Sharifa said the fund is a noble initiative that would help the underprivileged cope with the higher charges.
She said such fund would be an addition to existing social coverage such as the Peka B40, further helping ease the financial burden of those impacted by UMMC’s move.
“Contributions from corporate organisations towards such funds should also be encouraged,” she added.
“Such funding can be used for the prevention of diseases, too, through screening.
“It would eventually help take the pressure off government hospitals which are overcrowded,” she said.
Meanwhile, Petaling Jaya resident Jacqueline Albert, 49, who turns to UMMC when she or any of her family members needs treatment, said the sharp hike is a disappointment.
“It is the only government hospital we have in Petaling Jaya and we rely heavily on it for medical treatment as it is the closest to our home,” she said.
She said medical services provided by UMMC are excellent.
“But this may no longer be accessible to the lower income groups. I fear that if the government does not step in to assist, the poor may choose to avoid treatment because of the cost,” said the teacher.
Another resident, John Cheah, 70, said the new charges were no different than those imposed by private clinics.
“For a retiree with very little income, RM80 or more charged by a private clinic is a lot. UMMC had been fair with its charges but I feel that this has been taken away from us. I can only hope I will not get too sickly,” said the former clerk.