KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM) has called on insurers and Bank Negara to involve all relevant stakeholders in the consultation process regarding medical costs before publishing data on procedure costs at private hospitals, set to begin in mid-2025.
APHM president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh expressed the association's willingness to support initiatives aimed at increasing clarity in healthcare costs.
However, he stressed that these initiatives must be developed collaboratively with industry stakeholders to avoid unintended consequences.
"Failure to include all relevant parties could inadvertently create bias, fear, and stigma among patients.
"We advocate for an inclusive consultation process to prevent confusion and frustration for patients and policyholders," he said in a statement today.
Dr Kuljit said it was important to incorporate feedback from all stakeholders to ensure that the published information is both equitable and accurately reflects the true costs of treatment.
He said that differing approaches to transparency could lead to more confusion rather than clarity.
"It is crucial for patients to fully understand their treatment and the associated costs. However, medical conditions can vary greatly, and costs will typically fall within a certain range, influenced by factors such as age, pre-existing conditions, and other variables.
"By promoting fair and accurate communication, we aim to empower patients in their healthcare decisions and foster a more informed and efficient healthcare system," he this in response to an article published yesterday (Dec 5).
Dr Kuljit reiterated APHM's commitment to enhanced transparency across the healthcare sector, including hospitals, insurance providers, and other stakeholders.
"We believe that fostering a collective transparency environment is essential to ensuring the continued delivery of invaluable healthcare services, which complements the Health Ministry's efforts to provide safe and accessible care for all Malaysians."
Dr Kuljit also reaffirmed that APHM and its members had consistently adhered to regulations requiring the provision of detailed billing information, demonstrating their commitment to transparency.