KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) has welcomed the Health Minister’s acknowledgement of delays linked to the registration process for new private hospitals overseen by the Medical Practice Control Section (CKAPS).
Its president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said the matter had long been raised by the association and that it was encouraged by efforts to look into improvements.
“APHM welcomes the Minister’s recognition of the delays associated with CKAPS' registration process for new private hospitals.
“This is an issue APHM has consistently raised, and we are encouraged to see attention being given to explore and also identify innovative solutions,” he said in a statement on Sunday (April 5).
Kuljit added that each stage of the registration and renewal process currently involved lengthy procedures that carried financial implications.
“Currently, each stage of the registration and renewal process involves lengthy procedures that have financial implications, which ultimately will come at a cost to patients.
“In this regard, APHM member hospitals are supportive of using technology and digital solutions to streamline processes to speed up registration and renewal processes.
“In addition, APHM has also proposed self-regulation for licence renewals to improve efficiency without compromising standards,” he said.
Kuljit affirmed that private hospitals would continue to play a supporting role alongside the public healthcare system.
“Private hospitals will continue to complement and support the public healthcare system, not replace it.
“However, efforts to contain costs must be guided by the need to ensure the sustainability of private hospitals, so they can remain efficient, innovative, and technologically up to date with global standards.
“Private hospitals in Malaysia have the capacity and capability to deliver timely, high-quality, value-based care that is on par with leading healthcare systems worldwide,” he said.
