The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will hold five more closed sessions this month to examine rising health insurance premiums, private hospital fees, and their impact on public health. Henceforth, a comprehensive report will be presented in Parliament in June.

PAC member Sim Tze Tzin told Bernama that since February, the committee has conducted two public hearings and 12 closed sessions with stakeholders, including the Finance Ministry, Health Ministry, and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). In total, 17 proceedings and two public hearings have been held to gather public feedback on rising medical costs.

“PAC will be calling several more stakeholders, including BNM (for the second time) and the Malaysian Medical Council after the festive season, aiming to improve recommendations,” Sim said.

Starting 1st May, private clinics and hospitals must display their prices as part of a healthcare pricing transparency policy. Minister of Health Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said this would help verify medication charges in insurance claims and prevent unjustified price hikes.

“In May, we will prepare a detailed and comprehensive report before presenting it to parliament in June. We hope this report can assist the government in formulating policies that benefit the people,” Sim continued.

Medical insurance premiums have surged 40–70% due to rising healthcare costs, drawing concern from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He has tasked BNM and the Health Ministry with reviewing these increases to ensure fairness.

In response, BNM announced four interim measures last December, including a three-year phased premium adjustment plan until 2026 and a one-year deferment of premium hikes for policyholders aged 60 and above.

(Source: Bernama)

• TAGS:
• Dzulkefly Ahmad
• Health Insurance
• hospital fees
• Insurance
• Medical
• Medical Insurance
• PAC
• Public Accounts Committee
• Sim Tze Tzin