ID :
155336
Wed, 12/29/2010 - 18:18
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/155336
The shortlink copeid
AYE TO TREATMENT QUOTATION RULING FOR PRIVATE HOSPITALS
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 (Bernama) -- The government ruling that private hospitals
provide patients with quotations for treatment has received positive reaction
from consumers bodies.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) Datuk N. Marimuthu said
it should be practised as the public has the percpetion that they could afford
the cost of treatment.
"It's a good move as people expecting bills of RM10,000-RM15,000 from private
hospitals often end up paying more," he said when commenting the new ruling
announced by director-general of health Dr Mohd Ismail Merican on Tuesday.
Marimuthu said consumers should practice correct financial management to avoid
ending up with debts.
"They have to be responsible. Car and housing loans have to be paid. If we
choose expensive treatment then we have to decide on whether it is paid via
insurance or others," he added.
Secretary-general of Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) Dr Maamor
Osman said enforcement of the regulation should benefit the public.
"When we fall ill, we have no choice but to seek treatment. It is important that
the cost of treatment quoted are standardised."
On treatment at government hospitals, he said although it is cheap, the long
waiting period forced patients to seek alternatives.
Dr Maamor proposed that the government protect the self employed and those
without health insurance coverage.
Peninsular Malaysia Transport Workers Union (TWU) secretyary-general Zainal
Rampak also agreed that the cost of treatment at private hospitals be
standardised.
"Although companies pick up the bills, they only pay half the amount while the
rest are paid by employees via monthly salary deductions," he said in a
statement Wednesday.
Zainal said the high cost of treatment charged by private hospitals should be
tackled to avoid victimising patients and their families.
"I was told by a patient's family member that the private hospital will not
release the body if bills for the cost of treatment are not paid," he added.
-- BERNAMA
provide patients with quotations for treatment has received positive reaction
from consumers bodies.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) Datuk N. Marimuthu said
it should be practised as the public has the percpetion that they could afford
the cost of treatment.
"It's a good move as people expecting bills of RM10,000-RM15,000 from private
hospitals often end up paying more," he said when commenting the new ruling
announced by director-general of health Dr Mohd Ismail Merican on Tuesday.
Marimuthu said consumers should practice correct financial management to avoid
ending up with debts.
"They have to be responsible. Car and housing loans have to be paid. If we
choose expensive treatment then we have to decide on whether it is paid via
insurance or others," he added.
Secretary-general of Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) Dr Maamor
Osman said enforcement of the regulation should benefit the public.
"When we fall ill, we have no choice but to seek treatment. It is important that
the cost of treatment quoted are standardised."
On treatment at government hospitals, he said although it is cheap, the long
waiting period forced patients to seek alternatives.
Dr Maamor proposed that the government protect the self employed and those
without health insurance coverage.
Peninsular Malaysia Transport Workers Union (TWU) secretyary-general Zainal
Rampak also agreed that the cost of treatment at private hospitals be
standardised.
"Although companies pick up the bills, they only pay half the amount while the
rest are paid by employees via monthly salary deductions," he said in a
statement Wednesday.
Zainal said the high cost of treatment charged by private hospitals should be
tackled to avoid victimising patients and their families.
"I was told by a patient's family member that the private hospital will not
release the body if bills for the cost of treatment are not paid," he added.
-- BERNAMA
