KUALA LUMPUR: Checks during the first three months of enforcing drug price transparency showed that 55% of 1,639 private healthcare facilities nationwide complied satisfactorily, says Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
The remaining 45% had incomplete or inaccessible price displays, he added.
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"These findings indicate the need for continued monitoring, guidance sessions and phased enforcement for non-compliant premises," he said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Aug 12).
To ensure greater transparency and fairness in private healthcare pharmacy services, Lukanisman said the Health Ministry plans to conduct a comprehensive evaluation from September.
"This aims to assess the impact of the drug pricing policy and guide improvements in the system.
"It will inform (these) improvements to ensure transparency and fairness in private healthcare pharmacy services," he added.
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The display of drug prices, which came into effect on May 1 under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Marking of Prices for Drugs) Order 2025, is part of the government's efforts to enhance public access to drug price information.
This initiative seeks to ensure competitive pricing and informed consumer choices.
From Aug 1, the ministry began inspections and monitoring, issuing warnings for non-compliance, with full enforcement and fines scheduled to commence on Jan 1.
The phased approach aims to give private healthcare providers, including clinics, hospitals and community pharmacies, time to adjust and comply with the new regulations.
The initiative faced some resistance from non-governmental organisations and medical associations, particularly concerning the regulation of consultation fees, which have not been reviewed for 30 years.
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However, Lukanisman noted that the ministry remains committed to inclusive engagement with stakeholders, including the Malaysian Medical Association, to address these issues and ensure a balanced approach to healthcare regulation.
Addressing concerns raised by Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH-Tebrau) about rising medical costs, Lukanisman highlighted the ministry's ongoing efforts to implement interim Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) systems in private facilities by 2027.
"The DRG data will guide private facilities in setting reasonable prices, although it won't regulate profit margins," he said.
DRG systems classify hospital cases with similar clinical characteristics and resource usage, allowing for a standardised payment system based on the diagnosis and treatment provided.
