KUALA LUMPUR – The government’s decision to retain the RM10 minimum consultation fee for general practitioners (GPs) is aimed at easing the financial burden on Malaysians who pay out-of-pocket for treatment, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said today.
Speaking at the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2025 celebration in Putrajaya, Dzulkefly said the policy reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that access to basic medical care remains within reach for all, particularly those without insurance coverage.
“In any policy, there are always trade-offs, but we recognise the impact on those without insurance who have to pay for consultations directly. By keeping the floor price unchanged, we’re providing significant relief to the public,” he told reporters.
While the minimum fee remains at RM10, the maximum consultation fee has been raised to RM80, up from RM35 previously. Dzulkefly said this allows doctors to set charges according to the complexity and duration of each consultation.
“A 10-minute consultation for a common cold should not be compared to a 40-minute session for diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, or mental health assessments,” he said, adding that the move encourages more comprehensive and responsible patient care.
He said the new ceiling price aims to motivate GPs to spend more time managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) — a growing health challenge in Malaysia — while still keeping services affordable for the wider public.
Dzulkefly also highlighted the importance of fostering strong doctor-patient relationships, noting that patients are more likely to seek continuous treatment when consultations are thorough and trustworthy.
“This is why the ceiling price adjustment is a strategic move to encourage GPs to offer quality care while ensuring patients get value for their money,” he said.
When tabling Budget 2026 yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the revised consultation fee range of RM10 to RM80 — the first update in 17 years.
However, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) expressed disappointment over the decision to keep the minimum fee unchanged, calling it “deeply disappointing” and out of step with today’s costs.
The association had long urged for a RM50 minimum to reflect the real value of primary care.
MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said maintaining the 1992 floor rate fails to account for inflation and operational costs, adding that over 60% of patients come through third-party administrators (TPAs) that pay below RM35 per visit.
He warned that such low rates risk worsening financial strain on private clinics, making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain operations or invest in quality care. — October 11, 2025