Subra: Govt can negotiate with private medical facilities

PUTRAJAYA: The government can act as "middleman" and negotiate with or advise private medical facilities on pricing, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam (pix) said.
"The ministry only controls the professional fees charged by private hospitals and clinics while other charges are determined by the health provider," he said in the wake of public complaints of high charges imposed by private hospitals and clinics.
Subramaniam said the government only controls the consultation fees charged by doctors and specialists in private medical facilities as this comes under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act.
Other charges such as rooms charges, blood tests, X-rays, and medicines were based on the providers' discretion," he told reporters at the "Jom Aktif" function here today.
While private healthcare providers can determine prices based on the market rate, Subramaniam said consumers can also inform the hospitals if they feel that the prices charged are high.
"They can also channel their grievances to consumer associations which, in turn, should play their role and monitor the situation. The associations can then inform the ministry of their findings," he said.
Asked why the ministry does not intervene, he said the government does not want to over-regulate the prices, which are determined by market forces.
"Market forces are determined by consumers and providers. This is why it is important for consumer groups to play their role to monitor other charges in the healthcare industry.
"These associations should check that the charges are in line with the services provided. Patients should not be overcharged," he said.
On the public complaints, he said the ministry has done its investigation and has advised the healthcare providers accordingly.
On MERS-CoV, Subramaniam said that so far only one died and 15 others who came into contact with him have shown no symptoms of the disease.
He said all passengers arriving from the Middle East will be monitored for symptoms.