UMMC Raises Patient Fees By More Than 200%
The government-owned hospital cited rising costs of medical supplies and equipment as the reason behind the price hike.
By Sadho Ram — 03 Jan 2025, 06:03 PM
Government-funded hospital Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) has announced an increase of over 200% in patient fees
UMMC announced the increase in consultation, admission, and service charges, citing changes in the cost of disposables and equipment as the reason for the price hike, which came into effect on 1 January.
According to the New Straits Times, the hospital said the price of consultations has increased from RM5 to RM15 for general clinic consultations (a 200% increase), RM30 to RM80 for specialist consultations (a 166.67% increase), and RM15 to RM50 for follow-up specialist consultations (a 233.33% increase).
Ward admissions have increased from RM120 to RM300 for a single adult room (a 150% increase).
UMMC said it bases its charges on an "activity-based costing method", which factors in all expenses, including equipment, labour, utilities, maintenance, raw materials, and other costs.
"This approach ensures a comprehensive calculation of the services provided to patients," it said.
According to UMMC, while government assistance remains its main source of funding, it was responsible for generating its own income
"The revision of charges is not aimed at profit maximisation but rather at ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of UMMC in the long term," it said, adding that its new fees are still lower than those of private hospitals.
UMMC said the fee review applied to all of its services, and that the hospital will review fees at least once every five years, unless there is a significant change in the costs of services offered to patients.
"There is a possibility that treatment charges may be reduced if costs drop in future."
In its statement, UMMC also listed the new rates for other services, including the new advance charges for paediatric and ophthalmology services, which are now RM1,500 and RM2,500 for surgical and orthopaedic services for locals. Advance payments for critical wards are now set at RM5,000.
