KUALA LUMPUR: Subsidy rationalisation for patients in the T15 income group seeking treatment at government hospitals can be implemented through the use of a proper algorithm and formula, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said.
He added that subsidy rationalisation would also allow the government to generate revenue while ensuring fairness and equity of payment based on income status.
He said a study is currently underway on the number of patients in the T15 category receiving treatment at public hospitals and the ministry is prepared to conduct a more detailed study.
"The Health Ministry is ready to conduct a more thorough study on the number of T15 patients receiving treatment at our facilities, particularly in referral hospitals and state hospitals.
"We can implement subsidy rationalisation and so we need to have an algorithm and formula that would determine the actual price," he said during the 2025 Budget winding-up session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Meanwhile, Dzulkefly said the 'Rakan KKM' initiative would also allow for the government to retain its talents as specialists could be paid more.
Rakan KKM offers 'premium economy' services at selected public hospitals, including personalised care, specialist choice, and enhanced privacy, for elective outpatient, daycare, and inpatient services.
It offers paid healthcare services at reasonable rates through partnerships with government-linked investment companies (GLICs) at hospitals under the ministry.
Dzulkefly said it aims to attract more investment and retain healthcare personnel, including specialists and nurses, within the healthcare system.
This initiative will begin with five selected hospitals, such as Cyberjaya Hospital.
"The Rakan KKM model is built on investor confidence, particularly from entities like EPF, who have shown trust in this investment model.
"With their confidence, we believe we can execute this initiative successfully in partnership with the healthcare team, without relying on taxpayers' money to build premium healthcare infrastructure for those who can afford to pay.
"The Rakan KKM model ensures that we maintain governance and best practices, while also making sure that revenue generated helps in retaining specialists and sustaining investments in our healthcare system," he said.