
APHM offers clinical data to support DRG system pricing rollout
KUALA LUMPUR: Member hospitals under the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) have offered to share clinical data essential for developing the Diagnostic-Related Group (DRG) pricing model.
In a statement today, APHM said its member hospitals will provide the relevant data to the Health and Finance Ministries, as this foundational data is currently unavailable and poses significant challenges to the timely and effective implementation of the DRG system.
"APHM is heartened to hear (Health Minister) Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad shared in his opening speech at the APHM International Healthcare Conference & Exhibition 2025 today that a basic medical and takaful health insurance product will be introduced this year, while the DRG will be rolled out in phases.
"For the DRG or any DRG-type mechanism to work, accurate clinical data and a national electronic health record system are needed.
"At present, this foundational data is not yet available, which presents significant challenges for timely and effective DRG implementation," it said.
APHM said implementing the DRG system properly will take more than six months, as the data collection and analysis process is both complex and time-consuming.
The association also advocates allocating sufficient time and resources to ensure that the DRG model is well conceptualised, thoroughly piloted, and effectively executed to bring long-term improvements to Malaysia's healthcare system.
On April 18, Dzulkefly said the ministry plans to implement the DRG syste m in stages this year, starting with common illnesses.
On April 21, APHM's president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said the DRG pricing model presents a major challenge for Malaysia, primarily due to the lack of a universal healthcare financing system.
The DRG model is a billing system under which hospitals charge a fixed fee for treating specific illnesses or conditions, aimed at curbing medical inflation.
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New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
APHM offers clinical data to support DRG system pricing rollout
KUALA LUMPUR: Member hospitals under the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) have offered to share clinical data essential for developing the Diagnostic-Related Group (DRG) pricing model. In a statement today, APHM said its member hospitals will provide the relevant data to the Health and Finance Ministries, as this foundational data is currently unavailable and poses significant challenges to the timely and effective implementation of the DRG system. "APHM is heartened to hear (Health Minister) Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad shared in his opening speech at the APHM International Healthcare Conference & Exhibition 2025 today that a basic medical and takaful health insurance product will be introduced this year, while the DRG will be rolled out in phases. "For the DRG or any DRG-type mechanism to work, accurate clinical data and a national electronic health record system are needed. "At present, this foundational data is not yet available, which presents significant challenges for timely and effective DRG implementation," it said. APHM said implementing the DRG system properly will take more than six months, as the data collection and analysis process is both complex and time-consuming. The association also advocates allocating sufficient time and resources to ensure that the DRG model is well conceptualised, thoroughly piloted, and effectively executed to bring long-term improvements to Malaysia's healthcare system. On April 18, Dzulkefly said the ministry plans to implement the DRG syste m in stages this year, starting with common illnesses. On April 21, APHM's president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said the DRG pricing model presents a major challenge for Malaysia, primarily due to the lack of a universal healthcare financing system. The DRG model is a billing system under which hospitals charge a fixed fee for treating specific illnesses or conditions, aimed at curbing medical inflation.


The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Proper DRG roll out can take more than six months, says private hospitals association
KUALA LUMPUR: A proper rollout of the diagnosis-related group (DRG) payment model could take more than six months given the complexities in data gathering and analysis, says the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM), adding that it is ready to provide any help. Its president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said accurate clinical data and a national electronic health record system is needed for any DRG-type mechanism to work He said this foundational data is not available yet. "As the process of gathering and analysing such data is complex and time-consuming, APHM anticipates that a proper rollout will require considerably more than six months," he said. Dr Kuljit also said the APHM welcomed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad's announcement that a basic medical and health insurance/takaful product would be introduced later this year and the DRG rolled out in phases. To support this national initiative, Dr Kuljit said APHM member hospitals have offered to share relevant clinical data with the Health Ministry and the Finance Ministry. "APHM strongly advocates that adequate time and resources are allocated to ensure that the DRG initiative is thoroughly conceptualised, piloted and implemented, to ultimately deliver sustainable improvements for all Malaysians," he said. The DRG payment system involves paying a fixed sum based on the diagnosis and treatment provided, rather than itemising each charge. It is said the DTG model can help regulate medical costs by limiting excessive charges. Examples of countries that have implemented this are Sweden, Canada and Australia. Earlier, in his opening speech, Dr Dzulkefly said introducing DRG in phases to pay for healthcare services, beginning with the base medical and health insurance/takaful products, would be a key driver for value-based healthcare. He also said the Health Ministry is hoping to introduce the DRG payment model by the end of 2025.


Free Malaysia Today
8 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Involve nurses in duty roster to lower burnout, say private hospitals
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