7th August 2025 - 3 min read
The government has introduced new regulations for private clinics and pharmacies to increase transparency and give consumers more control over their healthcare spending. Starting from 1 August 2025, you can expect clearer billing, the freedom to choose your pharmacy, and visible pricing for medicines.
These changes, driven by the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL), aim to empower you with more information, helping you make better financial decisions regarding your health.
Under the new rules, all private medical clinics must provide an itemised bill for consultation and medical charges. This means your bill will clearly separate the cost of the doctor’s consultation from the price of each medication or treatment you receive.
Previously, clinics were only required to provide a detailed bill upon request. This new mandatory step ensures every patient can see exactly what they are paying for without needing to ask and at no extra charge. This transparency helps you better understand and manage your medical expenses.
Clinics are now required to issue a prescription after every consultation. A key part of this new measure is that you are not obligated to buy the prescribed medicine directly from the clinic.
Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, Datuk Fuziah Salleh, has confirmed that patients must be clearly informed of their right to purchase their medication elsewhere. This gives you the freedom to compare prices and buy your medicine from a pharmacy of your choice, potentially finding a more affordable option and helping you save money.
To further support consumer choice, private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies must now display the prices of the medicines they sell. This initiative, which began its educational phase on 1 May 2025, is a joint effort between the Health Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
Enforcement of this rule will happen in stages. Following an initial educational period that ended in July, authorities will issue warning letters to non-compliant premises until 30 September. Compound notices will be issued from 1 October, with full enforcement starting on 1 January 2026.
Ultimately, these regulations give you more power over your medical expenses. Having clear, itemised bills and the freedom to choose your pharmacy are important steps in helping you control your budget. For more insights on managing your money and making smarter financial decisions, you can find a wealth of information on personal finance and savings tips on the RinggitPlus blog.
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