03-08-2025
Doctors prioritise care over payment for undocumented mothers
MELAKA: No identity papers and no guarantee of payment, yet doctors like Dr D. Devendran Davidas ensure that women in labour are not turned away at public hospitals.
Dr Devendran, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Hospital Sungai Buloh in Selangor, stated that medical teams welcome expectant mothers regardless of their status.
However, he noted that undocumented migrants sometimes take this compassion for granted, leaving without settling their bills once maternity care is completed.
"They often claim a family member will handle the payment. But after delivery and follow-up care, they leave quietly, leaving the cost on the Health Ministry's shoulders," he said after delivering a health talk during the Merdeka Health Campaign at SJK(C) Chung Kuo in Jalan Tengkera on Sunday (Aug 3).
Despite this, Dr Devendran explained that medical officers continue their duties with compassion and professionalism.
He mentioned handling an average of 10 to 15 undocumented maternity cases monthly, with some requiring referral to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
"When complications arise, babies are sent to the NICU, but our beds are limited. This sometimes impacts our ability to treat other newborns needing that space," he added.
Public hospitals offer maternity services to all patients, including foreigners and undocumented migrants, though those without legal status must pay full non-citizen rates.
The health campaign was officiated by MP for Kota Melaka Khoo Poay Tiong, who commended healthcare workers for treating patients without discrimination.
"Our medical staff go above and beyond. Their service reflects the true spirit of Merdeka and humanity," he said.
Khoo also praised the Information Ministry (Japen) and the Madani Community of Kota Laksamana Zone Three for organising a successful event with free medical screenings and a strong turnout.
Dr Choo Teck Min from the Segamat Health Department's office in Johor also addressed the crowd.
Meanwhile, Melaka Tengah Information Department (Japen) officer Noor Adha Hashim announced more community health events throughout August for Merdeka Month.
"We hope the public will support these programmes and proudly raise the Jalur Gemilang at home, in schools, and at workplaces," she added.
