Docs’ fee hike not welcomed

Consumer associations have expressed reservations about the proposed fee increase for private practitioners while the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) said the quantum was too low.

Fomca president Datuk N. Mari­mu­thu said no study or consultation with consumer associations had been done.

Penang Consumers Protection As­­-so­ciation president Korisatan Karu­ppiah believed doctors in public hospitals were more deserving of a fee increase.

"Doctors in the private sector earn good income while those in public hospitals are underpaid," he stress-ed.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai announced on Thursday that there would be a 14% fee increase for doctors and specialists in the private sector if approved by the Ca­­binet.

MMA president Dr S.R. Manalan said it would not consent the 14% increase as doctors won't see any salary increase for another five years.

"The fee schedule revision taskforce set up by the ministry two years ago had actually recommended a 30% increase," he claimed.

The association's fifth edition of the fee schedule, published in 2008, had listed a 15% to 25% increase, but this was not implemented due to the financial crisis at the time.

Dr Manalan also said consumers' main complaints were not doctors' fees, but exorbitant hospital fees and medical insurance premiums.

"The increase proposed here is for specialist fees, which means it goes to the doctors and not the hospital," he said.

Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia president Datuk Dr Jacob Thomas deemed the increase reasonable.

Dr Thomas added that most practitioners worked out their fees on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the extent of services provided as well as their patients' financial status.

- The Star -

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