KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry has pledged to complete the review of consultation fees for private general practitioners (GPs) within a month.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said a Cabinet memorandum and a circular have already been prepared and are expected to be tabled and finalised within the same period, Bernama reported.
“I have completed the Cabinet memorandum and the circular for the matter. So I hope to settle (the GP consultation fee review) within a month at the latest.
“Once I have presented it and received Cabinet approval, it will be implemented, as the National Cost of Living Action Council (NACCOL) has already agreed (to the fee review),” he told reporters at a programme in Kuala Selangor here today.
Previously, on March 13, Dzulkefly had indicated that the revised fee structure for private practitioners would be announced before May 1.
The fee revision falls under Schedule 7 of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), and Dzulkefly confirmed that approval has been secured to expedite the process.
In March, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) urged the government to raise private general practitioners’ (GPs) consultation fees to a minimum of RM60, aligning with the Health Ministry’s ongoing review under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
The MMA noted that the existing regulated fee range of RM10 to RM35 has remained unchanged for over 30 years, despite rising operational costs and inflation. It proposed that future revisions include fixed periodic adjustments—suggesting a 10% increase every three years—to ensure fees remain in step with the cost of living.
The association also highlighted that many clinics have been forced to shut down due to mounting financial pressures, such as higher rental rates, staff wages, medical supplies, and equipment costs. The MMA emphasised that any revised rates should be fair and reflect the current economic challenges faced by private GPs.
In a separate matter, the minister said the government would not stop GPs from marching to the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday (May 6) to protest the mandatory requirement for private healthcare facilities to display medical fees.
“That is their right. I believe they will do it civilly, in a dignified manner, and I am open to receiving any memorandum from them.
“I can’t stop them, but honestly, I want them to understand what this ministry, what this minister, has fought for on their behalf. They need to know that I have already advocated for Schedule 7 (on GP fee revisions),” he said.
The planned protest, organised by the general practitioners’ section of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), is scheduled to begin at 10am on Tuesday, with private doctors gathering outside the Health Ministry building in Putrajaya before marching to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The demonstration is in response to a policy, effective May 1, requiring private healthcare providers to publicly display their charges. – May 3, 2025