Flexible pricing to match complexity as doctors assure affordability remains priority:MMApresident

PETALING JAYA: A long-awaited revision to general practitioner consultation fees will introduce greater flexibility while safeguarding affordability, with doctors stressing the move is aimed at strengthening primary care rather than raising costs across the board.

Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said the revised fee structure allows consultation fees to better reflect clinical complexity, market conditions and patient needs.

He added that flexibility should not be misunderstood as a uniform increase and must be exercised with professional judgement while maintaining affordability for patients.

“GPs remain the most accessible point of care in the system. Strengthening primary care means strengthening continuity, early detection and long-term disease management within the community.

“MMA understands that patients may have concerns regarding fee revisions. This does not mean that all consultations will increase. Fees will vary depending on the nature and complexity of care.

“A simple consultation is not the same as managing a complex chronic condition and should not be priced the same,” he said.

Thirunavukarasu said a significant proportion of patients access care through corporate panels managed by third-party administrators, with many of these rates remaining unchanged for years.

“Many of these rates no longer reflect the scope and responsibility of current medical practice. Sustainability of primary care cannot be achieved if reimbursement structures remain outdated.

“MMA will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure consultation rates are aligned appropriately. This revision must not be a one-off exercise.

“If we do not build a system for periodic review, we will repeat the same problem a decade from now,” he said.

He added that MMA will continue to advocate for a structured and consistent approach to future revisions, including better alignment across the healthcare system.

“This is an important step forward. But more importantly, it is a reminder.

“Primary care is not the lowest cost component of healthcare, it is the foundation that prevents higher costs elsewhere.

“The focus now must be on implementation, sustainability and strengthening the role of primary care within the healthcare system,” he said.

MMA welcomed the amendment to the general practitioners fee structure, noting consultation fees have remained unchanged since 2006, based on a framework dating back to 1992.

“We are pleased that the amendment to Schedule 7 under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Regulations 2006 takes effect from yesterday.

“This is a long-overdue revision. Primary care cannot remain sustainable on a pricing model from three decades ago,” he said.

On the revised GP consultation fees, Thirunavukarasu said MMA acknowledges and appreciates Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, adding that his continued engagement reflects a clear commitment to prioritising primary care.

“MMA further acknowledges Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for announcing this revision in Budget 2026, recognising the importance of strengthening primary care.

“We acknowledge the Health Ministry, particularly the Medical Practice Division and its team, for their work in bringing this process to completion,” he added.

He said MMA also welcomed the Health Ministry’s issuance of new guidelines on IV drip services in private medical clinics.

“This provides much-needed clarity to ensure such services are delivered safely, ethically and within the appropriate outpatient scope. It also reinforces consistency in practice and professional standards.”

 The Sun Malaysia