Private hospitals back EPF plan for insurance payments, call for safeguards
KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) has hailed the government's timely proposal to allow Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members to use their Account 2 savings to pay for monthly health insurance premiums.
Its president, Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh, said while the plan is welcomed, it must be accompanied by clear safeguards to ensure its long-term sustainability.
He said the responsibility now lies with the relevant agencies to determine the most appropriate funding model, whether through EPF or other mechanisms.
"APHM fully supports the development of well-designed, evidence-based and data-driven policies, including the proposed basic MHIT (Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful) product.
"Key stakeholders such as Bank Negara Malaysia, the Health Ministry, and the Finance Ministry will play pivotal roles in determining the best approach moving forward.
"What matters most is that the mechanism serves the people effectively and remains financially viable in the long term," he told the NST.
Dr Kuljit said APHM remains committed to working with all stakeholders to address challenges in healthcare financing and the rising cost of treatment.
"Our member hospitals are ready to share data, insights, and industry expertise with the government to support policies that are both sustainable and beneficial to all Malaysians," he said.
The government proposed the EPF plan to ease healthcare costs, widen insurance access, and relieve pressure on public hospitals.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said yesterday that if the proposal is implemented, 16 million EPF contributors could use their savings to access medical care at private hospitals.
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