PETALING JAYA, January 13 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to take a firm stance against unjustified medical price hikes in private hospitals, emphasizing that any increases must be reasonable and supported by valid reasons. Speaking at the launch of KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital’s new South Wing block in Bukit Mertajam, he urged private healthcare providers to prioritize fairness in pricing.
“High medical costs, particularly in hospital rooms, must be closely monitored. Some three-star rooms are charged at five-star rates. Private hospitals must cooperate to ensure patients are not overcharged,” Anwar said. He also called for uniform pricing, stating, “If the cost is RM1,000, then it should be RM1,000—insurance or not.”
Anwar highlighted the importance of investing in local pharmaceutical capabilities to reduce dependency on costly foreign drugs. Suggesting alternatives from countries like India, Brazil, and Turkey, he said such steps could help reduce healthcare costs. Additionally, he encouraged bulk purchasing of medical equipment through partnerships with the Health Ministry to secure better pricing.
The new South Wing block at KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital, equipped with advanced Cryotherapy Cryo-7 technology, was also launched during the event. Anwar noted the need for both public and private healthcare providers to adopt innovative and cost-effective solutions to enhance patient care without burdening Malaysians financially.
