PETALING JAYA: While general practitioners (GPs) may have objections over the newly enforced rule for displaying drug prices, they should not respond unreasonably by imposing new service-related charges on patients, cautioned consumer groups.
These additional charges, which will increase patients’ medical bills, would add to the financial pressure on the public, they said.
Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the proposed charges are unwarranted, unreasonable and unjustified.
He said CAP believes the move was a reaction by certain quarters who are exploiting the recent implementation of the drug price display in order to impose new charges for regulatory compliance, registration, drug prescriptions and the use of facilities on their premises.
“Is this a reaction to the recent drug price display order by the Health Ministry and an attempt to use it as an excuse to increase prices and fees?
“We believe the GPs have seriously misjudged the situation and need to be aware that it can financially burden the public.
“Their recent actions to protest against the drug price display order have not gone down well with the public,” Mohideen said.
However, he said CAP backs a proposal to review the consultation fees of GPs, which has not been revised for over 30 years.
Mohideen said the revised rate should be in tandem with inflation.
“We believe it is fair and reasonable for them to seek a raise for their professional services.
“GPs should be generating most of their income from consultations or their professional fees.”
Malaysian Consumers Movement legal adviser Sukhdave Singh said GPs should not “hold consumers at ransom” to resolve their ongoing dispute with the authorities.
“It is extremely disappointing. We do not understand their reluctance to display the price of medicines. Are they jacking up prices and profiteering from medicines?
“Consumers should be entitled to the right to make choices, whether they want to obtain drugs from a clinic or pharmacy.
“GPs should not hold consumers at ransom and use them as their bargaining chip. It is unethical.
“We commend both the Health Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry for being steadfast in their stand on this matter,” he said when contacted.
Sukhdave also concurred that reviewing the consultation fees of GPs is acceptable, provided that the fees remain reasonable and do not unduly burden the public financially.
The associations also applauded the Malaysia Competition Commission for exercising its powers by reprimanding the GPs over malpractices that may be deemed anti-competitive.
