![[UPDATED] Zahid-led panel to tackle stagnant GP fees](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2Fasnisninid_1749442281.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
[UPDATED] Zahid-led panel to tackle stagnant GP fees
KUALA LUMPUR: A high-level committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will review the Health Ministry's findings on the long-standing issue of stagnant consultation fees for private general practitioners (GPs).
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the committee would refine the ministry's recommendations before they are presented to the government for a final decision.
"No date has been set yet," he told a press conference today, but gave his assurance that the matter would be tabled "in the near future."
He said the decision to escalate the issue followed discussions between the Health Ministry and the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol).
On May 3, Dzulkefly announced that the review of private GP consultation fees was expected to be finalised within a month. He also said cabinet approval was the final step required before the amendments could be implemented.
GP consultation fees are regulated under the Seventh Schedule of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services (Private Medical Clinics or Private Dental Clinics) Regulations 2006, under the Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
On April 8, Dzulkefly said the ministry was awaiting a decision from the Finance Ministry on the proposed revision.
He had earlier confirmed on March 4 that the fees had not been revised for nearly two decades.
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