PETALING JAYA: Parents are largely supportive of having their children’s mandatory health screenings and follow-ups conducted at private general practitioners (GPs) due to the convenience they offer, but cost is a significant concern.
Executive Nur Afzan Murtadza, 33, said check-ups at private GPs offer shorter waiting times, flexibility, better service and comfort compared to public healthcare facilities.
“If it is subsidised or can be claimed, it will ease a lot of the burden,” said the mother-of-three.
She also hopes private GPs will do their best to treat patients referred by the government.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni told Parliament on Monday that the ministry is exploring outsourcing some child health screenings and follow-ups to GPs.
He said the initiative is aimed at tackling malnutrition and stunting, especially among low-income families.
The ministry is currently reviewing mechanisms to allow working parents to use nearby GP clinics for mandatory screenings, which would reduce reliance on government health facilities.
“We are now studying whether certain services can be outsourced,” Lukanisman said.
Convenience is a major draw for working parents.
Senior executive Amira Salleh, 29, said a private GP would allow her to go on the weekends without having to apply for leave.
“The queue would not be long and I do not have to wait long. But I am just worried that the check-ups would not be as thorough as Klinik Kesihatan,” she said.
Amira, who is covered by her company’s insurance, is not worried about the cost but stressed that a tax exemption or subsidy would be necessary if she were uninsured.
Housewife Amelia Lim, 26, echoed the preference for private GPs, noting that the long wait at government clinics can be challenging.
“Sometimes my daughter gets restless waiting,” she said.
“But private GPs can be expensive. Unless the government is paying for it, I don’t think it is very pocket-friendly.”
For those without insurance, the costs are prohibitive.
Store assistant G. Puvaneshwary said she would not be able to afford private GPs if each round of screening costs RM100 or more.
“Unless the government is helping, I would rather stick to Klinik Kesihatan because it is pocket-friendly,” she said.
Mother-of-one Quratul Nadia, a 33-year-old engineer, said she currently prefers Klinik Kesihatan because of the thorough, no-cost screenings.
“If I were to take my children to GPs for check-up, then I expect support from the government.
“Perhaps it can be in the form of a subsidy or tax exemption,” she said.
