The Ministry of Health (MOH) will finalise its review of consultation fees for private general practitioners (GPs) within a month, Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed on Saturday.
“I have completed the Cabinet memorandum and circular for this matter. I expect to resolve the (GP consultation fee review) within a month at the latest,” Dzulkefly told reporters after officiating the Central Zone leg of the Ministry’s Kembara Tolak Ubat Tidak Sah (TOBaTS) awareness campaign in Kuala Selangot today.
“Once I present it and receive Cabinet approval, it will be implemented immediately because the National Cost of Living Action Council (NACCOL) has already agreed to the revision,” he said.
On March 13, Dzulkefly had said the revised consultation fees, listed under Schedule 7 of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), would be announced before 1 May. He confirmed that approval had been secured for an urgent review.
Meanwhile, the minister said GPs planning to march to the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday (6 May) in protest of the mandatory display of medicine prices at private clinics and healthcare centres are free to do so, as it is their democratic right.
“I am confident they will proceed in a civil and respectful manner, and I am open to receiving any memorandum from them,” he said.
“I cannot stop them, but honestly, I hope they understand what our ministry—and what I as minister—have been fighting for on their behalf. They need to know I have already championed Schedule 7,” Dzulkefly added.
The protest, organised by the general practitioner section of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), is set to begin at 10am, with doctors gathering outside the Health Ministry headquarters in Putrajaya before proceeding to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The demonstration is in response to the government’s enforcement of a regulation effective 1 May requiring all private clinics and pharmacies to publicly display medication prices. - May 3, 2025
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