LETTERS: The Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Health has been quick to come up with innovative suggestions to soften the effects of rising insurance and healthcare costs which the rakyat has been facing.
It has suggested, among others, introducing a co-payment option, a mechanism to control price of health services, expediting the adoption of diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), acceleration of the establishment of a national health fund, and a phased implementation of price increases in healthcare services.
No doubt, collaborating among the private sector and the government on these issues is timely, appropriate and essential.
Co-payments can lower monthly premiums, making insurance more attractive and affordable.
It distributes the financial burden between insurers and policyholders, potentially reducing over-dependence on healthcare services.
A mechanism to control health service prices ensures fair and transparent pricing, preventing possible exploitation by healthcare providers.
DRGs standardised payments for similar treatments promotes efficiency and fairness.
This helps in managing healthcare budgets more effectively by classifying treatments into groups.
Phased increases in healthcare services allows for a smoother transition and helps stakeholders adapt to price changes. It also helps patients with financial planning.
But it must also be noted that some of these proposals could have some negative concerns.
For instance, policyholders may face unexpected out-of-pocket expenses which can be burdensome for low-income families.
Furthermore, understanding and managing co-payment terms can sometimes be confusing for some policyholders.
Also, establishing and maintaining a mechanism to control health service prices can be complex and resource-intensive.
Healthcare providers might resist price controls, leading to potential and unnecessary conflicts.
And setting up a DRG system could take time.
Implementing these proposals will require significant coordination among various stakeholders, including the government, healthcare providers, insurers and the public.
The success of these measures will depend on effective communication, transparency and cooperation.
Given the urgency of rising healthcare costs, timely implementation is crucial. However, the complexity of these proposals means that achieving immediate results may be challenging.
A phased approach might be necessary to ensure thorough planning and execution.
All told, the government has taken the first baby steps. It's up to the rest of us to ensure they lead to big and beneficial changes.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times