Fomca: Pricing transparency will prevent patients from being overcharged
KUALA LUMPUR: A reference price list for facility fees could be introduced to enhance transparency at private healthcare facilities, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).
Fomca chief executive officer Saravanan Thambirajah said this would be one of the practical and immediate measures that can be taken by the Health Ministry to prevent excessive price gouging.
“This strikes a balance between market freedom and consumer protection by setting price benchmarks for facility fees, ensuring transparency and preventing unreasonable charges.
“The system allows private hospitals and clinics flexibility and helps consumers make informed choices by understanding the expected cost range for common services like lab tests, medical device usage and nursing care.
“Establishing a pricing guide can prevent hidden charges and ensure fair prices across the board,” he said.
Saravanan said the reference list must be made public and accessible to all.
Consumers’ Association of Penang president Mohideen Abdul Kader said private practitioners must communicate fee structures upfront.
He stressed the importance of transparency, acknowledging that regulating facility fees is challenging due to significant price variations across different providers and suppliers.
“Transparent pricing allows patients to make informed decisions,” he said.
Mohideen proposed regulating the scale of medical tourism, adding how the influx of patients from neighbouring countries has expanded the market, potentially driving up healthcare costs.
“By implementing policies that ensure a portion of the revenue from medical tourism is reinvested into the public healthcare system, the government can help maintain affordable care for locals,” he said.
Mohideen urged transparency in the billing process and for medical jargon to be avoided, noting that the patient may not know what they are being charged for.
Pertubuhan Mesra Pengguna deputy president Azlin Othman said regulating facility fees can deter private healthcare facilities from raising costs arbitrarily.
This comes after the Health Ministry said it does not regulate facilities fees imposed by private healthcare facilities.
In a parliamentary written reply yesterday, the ministry said the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 only regulates professional fees, which are consultation fees.
“Facilities fees, which include nurses’ services, medical device charges, consumables (needle, syringe, gauze and others), and lab test charges, are not regulated by MOH,” it added.
