KUALA LUMPUR: Digitalising the manual Private Medical Practice Control Section (CKAPS) licensing process can help reduce processing times while improving efficiency for both healthcare providers and regulators, says the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia.
Its president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said this will enable healthcare providers to focus resources on patient care and respond more quickly to opportunities, including in the medical tourism sector, where Malaysia competes regionally.
"The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia participated in a stakeholder feedback session hosted by the Finance Ministry as part of the Budget 2027 consultation process.
"We highlighted the importance of digitalising the CKAPS licensing process, which is currently largely manual.
"An efficient licensing process will benefit Malaysian patients by enabling healthcare facilities and services to be established, expanded or upgraded more efficiently," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 1).
He said its digitalisation will improve access to timely, quality healthcare and ensure that healthcare providers can respond more effectively to local patient needs.
Dr Kuljit said separately, private hospitals hope for continued and increased funding for the Hospital Services Outsourcing Programme (HSOP), which has reduced patient waiting times and eased congestion at public hospitals.
"Recent data and statements from the Health Ministry have shown reductions in waiting times at public hospitals for several services through the programme.
"We hope this public-private partnership will continue," he said.
He said the association hopes to see greater investment in Malaysia’s healthcare workforce, particularly in the recruitment, retention, development and wellbeing of nurses and other essential healthcare professionals.
"This is to address the growing loss of healthcare talent and ensure that Malaysia is able to build and retain a sustainable workforce," he said.
