KUALA LUMPUR, September 30 – The Malaysian Medical Association has asked the Ministry of Health to look into claims that doctors are only charging RM20 for providing medical exams for e-hailing drivers.
“We are curious to know what kind of medical examination is being offered at such a low price,” said MMA president Dr N. Ganabaskaran, adding that the price is “impossible”.
“Such practices of price undercutting under the guise of corporate social responsibility is shameful, an utter disgrace to the medical fraternity and may compromise duty and quality of care.”
“We wish to remind all concerned that the medical examinations are mandatory for the safety of the driver, their passengers and all road users.”
He further opined that RM20 fee was perhaps a form of block discount that might amount to fee splitting, adding it was unethical as the clinic and practitioner could be charged under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act.
Road Transport Department (JPJ) in August ordered the ministry and MMA to fix a standard rate of RM80 for e-hailing drivers to do their medical examination for the application and renewal of the public service vehicle (PSV) licence.
However, Malaysia E-Hailing Drivers Association (Mehda) recently said that JPJ’s decision to set the mandatory medical examination fee for e-hailing drivers at RM80 is unwarranted, as it had received the consent of 135 panel clinics nationwide to a charge of RM20 per person for the medical examination.
