KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is studying the development of a national diagnosis-related group (DRG) system to address the rising medical costs, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the system categorises patients based on diagnosis, type of treatment, and resources used. He said the ministry is already in talks with the Finance Ministry regarding the DRG system's implementation.
"We have introduced a case management model at healthcare facilities with clear costs for each treatment, which can serve as a guide to prevent overcharges.
"We are considering ways to implement this system nationwide so that university hospitals, military hospitals, and private hospitals can also adopt its use in determining patient treatment costs to avoid excess charges.
"This will also allow the M40 and B40 groups to access treatment in the private sector without the concern of excessive costs," he said.
Lukanisman was responding to follow-up questions from Wong Shu Qi (PH-Kluang) and Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat) regarding the issue of rising medical costs and insurance premiums, as well as KPJ Healthcare Bhd's revenue.
Wong had asked if the ministry had discussed with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to resolve the issue of rising insurance premiums.
In his response, Lukanisman assured that the ministry would address concerns related to the hike in medical and insurance charges.
"If the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry can monitor the prices of rice, sugar, and eggs, I believe the authorities under BNM, the Finance Ministry, and the Health Ministry can monitor the need to address these rising costs.
"We understand that the Health Ministry also does not have the capacity to accommodate all the patients, given the workload, even though the work is being done well," he said.