PUTRAJAYA: The Finance and Health Ministries have established a Joint Ministerial Committee on Private Healthcare Costs (JMCPHC) to tackle rising medical inflation and reform the private healthcare system.
Co-chaired by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, the JMCPHC convened its first meeting on Tuesday.
It includes representatives from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), MOF, MOH, and a Consultative Council comprising private hospitals, insurers, and takaful operators.
Amir Hamzah said the committee builds on groundwork by BNM and others, including co-pay reforms and the RESET framework, which outlines five thrusts: revamping medical insurance (MHIT), enhancing price transparency, strengthening digital health, expanding affordable care, and reforming provider payments.
Key RESET initiatives are already underway, including a base MHIT product, DRG-based payment models, and clearer pricing structures.
“These reforms aim to protect Malaysians’ wellbeing and ensure a sustainable, transparent healthcare system,” said Amir.
Dzulkefly added that RESET aligns with ongoing MOH efforts to reduce strain on public hospitals and expand cost-effective options.
The committee will serve as the central platform to guide and monitor these initiatives, reinforcing the MADANI Government’s commitment to value-based care and collaborative policymaking. – BERNAMA
