Over three decades have lapsed since GP consultation charges were last revised. They remain stuck between RM10 and RM35, rates that were set when petrol was around RM1 a litre. These rates do not compute in 2025, but clinics are still bound by them.
The Ministry of Health has presented their submissions to the Cabinet, but nothing has come from it. In May, doctors were told that a decision would be made within a month’s time.
That time has passed without a decision. Today, we hear that some further refinements and consultations are needed, which is the same old story being told once more.
The reality is that now this view is no longer simply a health policy matter. It is political. Between 2015 and 2018, proposals did not even get to Cabinet. In 2019, the Cabinet in principle agreed to deregulation, but politics and the pandemic got in the way. Six years on, the issue stands unresolved.
At the same time, clinics are not doing well. The majority of them have started charging additional fees such as registration or facility fees just to survive.
If consultation fees are kept static, clinics will not survive, especially in rural areas. Patients will be made to go through tougher times with limited choice and longer waiting times at government clinics.
The Cabinet can wait no longer. Either reform the 7th Fee Schedule or deregulate with proper protection. Continuing to leave the decision on the backburner threatens to undermine the core primary care system upon which millions of Malaysians rely.
Dr Bryan Kek is a general practitioner from Melaka.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
