Subramaniam: Foreigners will soon pay actual medical costs

Foreigners in the country will soon be paying the actual medical costs incurred by them at the government clinics and hospitals in the next few months, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.

He said currently foreigners including workers and students who sought medical treatment at government clinics and hospitals enjoyed the medical subsidy of 30 to 40 percent.

He said the implementation of the actual medical costs would enable the government to save up to RM100 million annually which could be used to further improve the quality of health and medical services in the country.

"So, we are finalising on the cost and after it has undergone several processes including tabling at the cabinet and gazetting, we will implement it," he said at a media conference after attending the ministry's monthly assembly, here on Monday.

At the event, Dr Subramaniam also launched the ministry's official logo with the motto "Kami Sedia Membantu" (We Are Ready To Help) which will be adopted by all health departments, institutions, units and agencies besides in the correspondence and portal of the ministry.

He explained that in several European countries such as the United Kingdom, foreigners were required to have their personal medical policies, otherwise the patients concerned were forced to bear all their medical costs.

"For example, in the United Kingdom if you are not part of the national health care system, you have to pay the full cost and that is not cheap, very expensive," he said.

He also called on Malaysians to appreciate the health services contributed by the government which was providing a subsidy of up to 98 percent.

Meanwhile, Dr Subramaniam said a sum of RM1.9 billion was being allocated by the government this year (2014) for the development of government hospitals and clinics throughout the country including the construction of new additional blocks and upgrading works.