MyCC warns private healthcare groups against price-fixing
MyCC said it will not hesitate to investigate and take strict enforcement action if evidence of anti-competitive conduct is found among private medical practitioners. (Reuters pic)
PETALING JAYA : The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) has warned several private medical practitioner associations that their proposed service-related charges may breach the Competition Act 2010.
MyCC said recent reports in health news portal Code Blue indicate that private healthcare groups in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Sarawak are considering or have already implemented additional fees.
These include prescription charges, registration fees, regulatory compliance charges and facility fees.
MyCC said any collective decision made by associations to introduce new charges could be seen as anti-competitive behaviour under Section 4 of the Competition Act.
'Such conduct is categorised as a serious infringement… This constitutes a breach of the act, regardless of whether it is implemented or simply agreed upon,' said MyCC chairman Idrus Harun in a statement.
He also said any recommendation for a price range, regardless of whether it is binding or not, may be regarded as price-fixing under the Competition Act.
The warning was directed at the Society of Private Medical Practitioners Sarawak (SPMPS), the Private Medical Practitioners' Association of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (PMPASKL) and the Penang Medical Practitioners Society (PMPS).
Idrus urged SPMPS to withdraw its advisory promoting the implementation of new fees and called on PMPASKL and PMPS to avoid any collective action that may lead to uniform pricing decisions.
He said MyCC would not hesitate to investigate and take strict enforcement action if evidence of anti-competitive conduct is found.
Offending parties could face financial penalties of up to 10% of their global turnover during the period of infringement.
'MyCC is closely monitoring this matter and strongly urges all stakeholders, especially those in the healthcare sector, to fully comply with the Competition Act,' said Idrus.
'MyCC remains steadfast in its mission to uphold a competitive, healthy and transparent market, safeguarding both consumer welfare and the integrity of the Malaysian economy.'
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