Health Ministry says private clinics must only give itemised bills if requested, after backlash over TikTok Live remarks
PUTRAJAYA, May 17 – The Health Ministry today clarified that private medical clinics are only required to provide itemised billing upon request and at no extra charge, following public confusion sparked by a recent TikTok Live session.
The ministry said the right of patients to receive an itemised bill is already provided for under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services (Private Hospitals and Other Private Healthcare Facilities) Regulations 2006.
'The issuance of an itemised bill is mandatory only upon request by the patient and must be provided at no additional charge,' the ministry said in a statement here.
'This allows patients to better understand the breakdown of charges for services, treatments, and medications received.'
The ministry previously held the session titled 'Myths and Facts: Medicine Price Display' on May 14 aimed to inform the public about the policy requiring private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies to display medicine prices.
The ministry stressed that there has been no new policy or change regarding the current billing practices at private medical clinics.
It also expressed confidence that continued cooperation from all parties would enhance the quality of healthcare services while upholding patients' rights.
On Thursday, private doctors had accused the ministry of bypassing legal channels to impose new billing requirements on clinics after a controversial TikTok Live broadcast purportedly by a senior Health Ministry officer.
The Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM) said the guidance given by Mohemmad Redzuan Mohd Rizal, a senior officer from the Pharmaceutical Services Programme (PSP), over a TikTok Live session, was inappropriate and lacked legal basis.
The group stressed that doctors operate under different legislation – namely the Medical Act 1971 and the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586) – and not the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723), which typically governs retail pricing and is under the purview of the Domestic Trade Ministry.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
11 hours ago
- The Star
Your vaccine from 2021 is not enough: Expert says Covid-19's threat remains
KUALA LUMPUR: The public, particularly high-risk groups, are recommended to get the latest Covid-19 vaccine, which has been adapted to current variants, to ensure more effective protection. Family medicine specialist and Medical Mythbusters Malaysia vice-president Dr Megat Mohamad Amirul Amzar Megat Hashim said that, although many Malaysians have been vaccinated, earlier doses may no longer offer adequate protection against the latest circulating variant. "Therefore, it is important to get vaccinations that are tailored to the current variant. The Health Ministry also continues to recommend that high-risk individuals keep their vaccination status up to date, particularly those who are planning to travel, attend large gatherings, or live with elderly people or individuals with weakened immune systems,' he said in a statement on Wednesday (June 11). According to the Health Ministry, over 11,000 Covid-19 cases have been reported since January, serving as a clear reminder that the public should not become complacent, even though the figure remains below the official alert threshold. Commenting further, Dr Megat said that individuals who have been vaccinated are more likely to recover faster, avoid hospitalisation, and reduce the risk of developing post-Covid-19 complications, including 'long Covid'. He also emphasised the importance of early screening, urging those who feel unwell, or experience symptoms such as sore throat, fatigue, fever, body aches, or stomach upset, which could be early indicators of Covid-19 infection, to get tested promptly. "If someone feels unwell and belongs to a high-risk group, getting tested is not only about protecting oneself, but also about safeguarding family members and the wider community,' he said. "We now have access to treatments that can prevent complications, but their effectiveness depends on early intervention. Dr Megat explained that timely testing and vaccination not only benefit individuals, but also help curb the spread of the virus within families and communities, as most severe cases often begin with mild symptoms that may go unnoticed. "This responsibility is no longer just personal, it is directly tied to our collective duty to protect our loved ones,' he said. "By getting tested early and staying up to date with vaccinations, we also help ease the burden on the national healthcare system, and shield those who are most vulnerable. He also encouraged the public to use the MySejahtera application to check their eligibility for booster doses, and to conveniently book vaccination appointments. For more information on Covid-19 symptoms, vaccinations, or to locate the nearest testing centre, the public is advised to refer to the MySejahtera app, or consult a healthcare professional.- Bernama
The Star
11 hours ago
- The Star
Sabah woman sues KJ, govt over wrongful Covid-19 enforcement
KOTA KINABALU: A businesswoman from Ranau has filed a civil suit against the government and Khairy Jamaluddin, alleging she was wrongfully penalised for being unvaccinated during the Covid-19 pandemic. Naomi @ Neomi Francis filed the suit at the Sessions Court in Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday (June 11). This is believed to be the first known civil suit in Sabah relating to Covid-19 enforcement, raising questions over administrative overreach and alleged infringement of personal rights. The 59-year-old named the Ranau District Council, the Health Ministry and Khairy in his former capacity as health minister, a post he held from August 2021 to November 2022, as defendants in the suit. Francis, who operates a stall at the Ranau Central Market, claims she suffered financial losses, reputational harm and psychological trauma after being issued a compound notice on Dec 20, 2021. She said the compound notice was issued on grounds that she had continued to operate her business without receiving a Covid-19 vaccination. In her statement of claim, Francis said she felt compelled to receive the vaccine simply to keep her business afloat. 'I was pressured to obtain vaccination solely for the purpose of continuing my business operations,' she said, adding that the ordeal caused her 'significant mental exhaustion, emotional distress and trauma'. The compound notice was later cancelled by the Health Ministry on Feb 17, 2023. In an official letter, the ministry's chief enforcement officer acknowledged a technical error in the enforcement action and returned the case to the Sabah State Health Department for review. The Ranau District Council subsequently retracted the compound notice in a letter dated March 8, 2023. However, Francis said the damage had already been done. Her stall remained closed from Sept 2021 until March 2023. 'During this time, I lost income, loyal customers, and the public's trust in my business,' she said in the court filing. She is now seeking specific damages for 18 months of lost earnings, along with general and exemplary damages, interest, and legal costs. Francis is represented by Messrs Priskila Akwila Advocates. The court has fixed the hearing for July 14, 2025. Khairy is now a media personality and co-host of the Keluar Sekejap podcast.
Free Malaysia Today
12 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
‘United Against Dengue' alliance launched to combat surge in cases
Malaysia has recorded 14,310 dengue cases and 16 deaths this year. (Rawpixel pic) PETALING JAYA : A new regional collaboration aimed at strengthening dengue prevention and control across Southeast Asia was launched today. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and Takeda Pharmaceuticals have officially launched 'United Against Dengue' (UAD) amid a surge in dengue cases worldwide, with Malaysia alone recording 14,310 cases and 16 deaths this year. UAD, which also involves independent advocacy group Dengue Prevention Advocacy Malaysia, is built on three strategic pillars – educate, advocate, and support. The 'educate' pillar focuses on strengthening community resilience through awareness and preparedness. This includes disease education campaigns, volunteer training via the Epidemic Control for Volunteers toolkit, and hygiene promotion. Enhanced surveillance and early response protocols will also be implemented to guide communities in effectively managing dengue risks. The 'advocate' pillar aims to ensure long-term sustainability of dengue prevention by engaging policymakers, medical societies, and community organisations. Efforts focus on integrating dengue control measures into national health strategies and promoting regional alignment among public health stakeholders. This approach strengthens health systems and supports coordinated action for lasting impact. The 'support' pillar provides direct care and assistance to individuals and communities affected by dengue. This includes mobilising resources and community-based responses to offer timely aid, helping to reduce the disease's impact and support recovery efforts in vulnerable areas. 'UAD exemplifies the power of collaboration and community engagement in tackling this significant public health challenge,' said Dr Deepa Gamage, public health specialist (disease control) at the WHO representative office for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. 'The WHO commends this creative approach to reaching and educating communities across the region. Together, we believe we can make zero preventable deaths by 2030 in Southeast Asia and beyond possible.' Dengue Prevention Advocacy Malaysia chairman Dr Zulkifli Ismail noted that dengue continues to pose a significant public health threat across Asia and beyond, requiring coordinated, multi-sectoral action at both regional and national levels. 'Cross-sector collaboration will continue to be crucial for driving progress and protecting vulnerable populations from dengue, and UAD reflects a clear intent to catalyse collaborative efforts to drive progress in dengue prevention and management,' he said.
