MARCH 7 ― Since private medical fees had not been adjusted for 12 years, the adjustment is indeed necessary. However, the skyrocketed rise has immediately triggered panic among consumers.

For instance, the consultation fees for general practitioner increased from the range of RM10-RM35 to a new range of RM30-RM125, while the maximum specialist consultation fees nearly doubled the previous cap of RM125 to RM235.

Meanwhile, fees for medical procedures increased between 14-18 per cent.

The rise of medical fees might add weight to the already heavy burden of life. Medical treatment is relatively important compared to other aspects of life. In the face of food price, transportation fee and electricity tariff hikes, the people could still reduce the burden through reducing consumption or changing lifestyle. However, when they fall sick, there is no way to escape and medical treatment is the only option.

Many people would not be able to afford medical treatment after the massive rise and the misery it brings is expected to be severe.

Of course, the people could seek treatment in general hospitals. However, general hospitals are unable to cope with the huge demand. They have been distant from meeting the demand in terms of medical personnel and equipment.

The scarcity must be filled by private clinics and hospitals. Even low-income earners would first seek treatment in private clinics and transfer later to general hospitals only when they are diagnosed with some kind of long-term illness or serious disease.

Therefore, private clinics are needed while private hospitals have become increasingly popular among the general public.

Malaysian Medical Association should take into account the affordability of most people when proposing the fee adjustment. Of course, we understand that the fees have not been adjusted for long and thus, the incomes of many doctors have been affected, while many clinics have failed to survive. Despite the adjustment is reasonable, it must also take social responsibility into account, instead of skyrocketing the rise until most patients cannot even afford it.

As the regulatory department, the Health Ministry must cautiously handle the issue, consider the need of the society as a whole and carefully assess the people’s affordability, instead of just pandering to the demands of medical professionals.

Once the rise losses control, it would not only increase the people’s burden, but also cause patients unable to afford treatments. If that happens, public clinics and general hospitals would be unable to cope with the huge demands. It would eventually lead to a big loophole in the overall health care system.

In addition, fee charges of private clinics and hospitals must be transparent and itemised bills are necessary. Vague and additional charges are unfair to consumers.

In the long run, the government should establish a comprehensive national health system, including introducing a medical insurance policy, effectively using public resources in people's health need, rationalising medical fees and increasing the quality of medical care.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.