MOH: No change in policy in implementation of itemised billing by private clinics
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry (MOH) has clarified that there has been no change in policy or announcement of a new policy regarding the implementation of itemised billing by private medical clinics.
In a statement today, the MOH said the clarification was issued following confusion arising from a statement made during a TikTok Live session about the requirement for private medical clinics to provide itemised billing.
According to the MOH, the session, held last Wednesday under the theme 'Myths and Facts' of Drug Price Display, aimed to inform the public about the implementation of the drug price display initiative at private health facilities and community pharmacies.
"The right of patients to receive itemised bills is stipulated under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services (Private Hospitals and Other Private Healthcare Facilities) Regulations 2006.
"The provision of itemised bills is only mandatory upon request and at no additional cost, to facilitate a clearer understanding of the service charges, treatment, and medications received," the statement said.
The Ministry further expressed confidence that good and continuous cooperation among all parties would help enhance the quality of health services and safeguard the interests and welfare of patients.
"This is in line with the government's commitment to implement Madani values, ensuring that all parties, whether patients/customers or private medical providers, receive equal rights in matters related to health services as a whole," the statement added.
Last Thursday, the media reported that general practitioners (GPs) and private specialist clinics were required to issue itemised bills to patients as a measure to increase transparency through the drug price display directive, which came into effect on May 1.
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