Doctors' group: GP consultation should be raised to a ‘fair fee' of RM50 to RM150

THE Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM) today said private general practitioners’ (GPs) consultation fees should be raised to a fair fee of RM50 to RM150, aligning with actual operational costs.

Its president Dr Shanmuganathan TV Ganeson said this was necessary to keep GP clinics open and primary care sustainable.

"This is not a sudden price hike ... GP consultation fees have remained stagnant since 2006.

“In 2006, the capped consultation fee was RM10 to RM35. Based on Bank Negara Malaysia’s official inflation rate (CPI), cumulative inflation from 2006 to 2024 is approximately 60 to 70 per cent.

“Adjusting for inflation alone, the equivalent GP consultation fee today should be RM16 to RM60. However, medical cost inflation (which outpaces general inflation) suggests a fair fee of RM50 to RM15," he said in a statement.

He said that for nearly two decades, general practitioners have been expected to operate with consultation fees capped at RM10 to RM35, while costs have risen drastically.

In view of this, he said many small clinics are shutting down, forcing patients to seek more expensive hospital care.

"This means fewer affordable healthcare options, forcing patients into overcrowded government hospitals.

"Private hospital consultations cost five times more than a GP visit, making healthcare even less accessible," he said.

He suggested phased implementation of the new GP consultation fees over three to five years and to index the fees to medical inflation.

“Indexing fees to medical inflation means adjusting GP consultation fees periodically, for instance, every two to three years, based on the actual rise in healthcare costs rather than waiting decades for an ad hoc review.

“This ensures that GP fees keep up with the rising costs of running a clinic, including rent, utilities, staff salaries and medical supplies,” explained Dr Shanmuganathan.

In a recent parliamentary reply, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry was reviewing consultation fees for private GPs and was collaborating with the Department of Statistics Malaysia to conduct simulations and determine a suitable price range.

"The Ministry is in the process of reviewing consultation fees for private general practitioners, as these rates have not been revised since 2006," he said in response to Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam).

He said the review would also consider the impact of any fee adjustments on the Consumer Price Index.

Dr Shanmuganathan said the government must not delay this fee revision on the pretext of inflation fears.

"The MoH to ensure transparency in its consultation fee review, expedite the implementation of fair fees based on real economic data, and engage with primary care providers to ensure policies support private GPs," he added. – March 6, 2025