Regulations on private healthcare must be viable

REGULATIONS in the healthcare sector are meant to ensure patient safety and service quality. However, when excessive bureaucracy and over-regulation come into play, it creates an unintended consequence – higher medical fees for patients.

The Private Medical Practice Control Section or Cawangan Kawalan Amalan Perubatan Swasta (CKAPS) of the Health Ministry imposes numerous requirements on general practitioners (GPs) and private hospitals, significantly impacting operating costs, and ultimately burdening patients, businesses, and even the Health Ministry itself in the long run.