No charges for third class ward patients treated at second class

Government hospitals will not charge third class ward patients who have to seek treatment in the second class ward due to lack of beds in their respective class.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the decision was made by the ministry should such a situation occur to patients.

"I promise that the government is indeed very committed to ensure the lower income bracket will receive quality (health) services at a reasonable price," he said at the Dewan Rakyat sitting here when winding up debate on the 2017 Supply Bill at the ministerial level yesterday.

Dr Subramaniam said the explanation served as a relief to the low-income group.

Dr Subramaniam on Monday announced that the government would increase charges for patients seeking treatment in first and second class wards effective Jan 1 but had yet to decide on the percentage of the new rate.

Commenting further, Dr Subramaniam said the ministry would add more beds at all government hospitals and build additional blocks, if necessary, to address bed issues at second class wards.

He said such an action would solve the matter due to the increased number of patients each year.

"We are aware that (the number of patients) increase every year in line with the rise of medical costs and with the current economy," he said. -- Bernama