Group urges UMMC not to raise fees arbitrarily
“Though they have both public and private wings, the hospital’s management must remember they were established using public funds...
Summary
Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (Cassa) says Universiti Malaya Medical Centre should not raise its fees arbitrarily.
Its president Jacob George says UMMC should also consider corporate social responsibility in its services.
He also blames UMMC’s price hike on the government’s inconsistency in making decisions.
The Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (Cassa) said Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) should not raise fees arbitrarily despite being partially government-funded.
“Though they have both public and private wings, the hospital’s management must remember they were established using public funds.
“And just because they are partially funded by the public, that doesn’t mean they could just raise their fees like how private hospitals do,” said Cassa president Jacob George to Malaysiakini.
On Jan 3, MalaysiaNow reported that UMMC announced an increase of up to 233 percent in patient fees.
Citing a report by Guang Ming Daily, the hospital’s ward fees are to be raised by 150 percent, from RM120 to RM300.
Fees for follow-up treatment at specialist clinics are to rise from RM15 to RM50, an increase of 233 percent.
A day later, UMMC defended its decision, citing rising costs - particularly in getting advanced medical technology, consumables, medical supplies, and operations.
On Jan 16, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) also lambasted UMMC’s decision, saying the price hike should have been done gradually.
Govt at fault
George said UMMC must consider the corporate social responsibility element in their healthcare services.
“When you raise fees, it won’t affect the rich that much, but what about us, the ordinary people… those without pension?” he asked.
He attributed the medical centre’s decision to the government’s inconsistency in making decisions.
“The government could actually intervene but they are just not playing their role. Putrajaya wants to play hero to all and sundry.
“When they speak to the private hospital players, they say one thing, and when they speak to those running public hospitals, they say another. And when they speak to consumers, the government tells another story.
“This is an inconsistency and when the government doesn’t have a stand, certain groups would obviously take advantage of the situation.
“Bear in mind, this is not only about healthcare but other issues such as addressing cost of living,” George added.
Yesterday, the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Health urged the higher education minister to explain UMMC’s decision to hike its fees.
“UMMC is under the Higher Education Ministry. I request an explanation from the minister (Zambry Abdul Kadir).
“The increase in the cost of treatment at UMMC does not benefit patients, especially those with low incomes,” committee chairperson Suhaizan Kaiat reportedly said.
