MALAYSIA’S public healthcare services, including those provided by Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), rank among the best in the world, with high-quality treatment and medication made accessible for as little as RM1, according to HKL Director Datuk Dr Harikrishna KR Nair.
Speaking during a recent interview with Berita Harian, Dr Harikrishna highlighted that patients can receive up to RM2,000 worth of medicines for a token fee of RM1, while specialist consultations cost only RM5 — a fraction of what is charged at private healthcare facilities.
“The RM1 fee isn’t reflective of the medicine’s cost — it is merely a nominal charge for the service,” he said. “In other countries, even within Southeast Asia, you won’t find public health services offering such low-cost yet high-quality care.”
He noted that the medicines dispensed at HKL, whether generic or original, are often equivalent in quality — and sometimes superior — to those provided in private hospitals. “You may have to wait longer, but the quality and quantity of the medication make it worthwhile,” he added.
Dr Harikrishna dismissed concerns over wastage in medicine distribution, stating that prescriptions are tailored to each patient’s condition and typically issued for up to two months. This approach is especially important for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, who often require multiple medications daily.
“For example, some patients may need to take between five and ten pills a day. By providing a two-month supply, we reduce the need for frequent hospital visits, which may be burdensome for some,” he explained.
On specialist services, Dr Harikrishna revealed that while the actual value of procedures may run into the thousands, public patients are not charged for consultations or operating theatre usage, unlike in the private sector where consultation fees alone may reach several hundred ringgit.
HKL’s Specialist Complex and Ambulatory Care Centre (SCACC) currently sees around 2,000 patients each day. The hospital’s internal key performance indicator (KPI) sets a maximum waiting time of 90 minutes for each patient to be seen by a doctor.
“However, cases where patients experience longer waits usually involve multiple procedures or consultations, each with its own waiting time,” he clarified.
To enhance service quality, HKL has submitted a request to the Ministry of Health for additional staffing to meet future demand, particularly ahead of the expansion of its Emergency and Trauma Department and the development of the National Institute of Forensic Medicine (IPFN).
“In fact, we expect to receive new medical personnel as early as next month,” he confirmed.
When asked whether traffic congestion in the capital impedes ambulance response times, Dr Harikrishna praised the public’s cooperation.
“There have been no major issues thanks to public awareness. HKL’s ambulances cover a 20-kilometre radius and are supported by volunteer ambulance services,” he said. - Sept 7, 2025
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