Govt to introduce DRG payment model next year to curb rising private healthcare costs
The model, which standardises hospital billing by grouping patients based on diagnosis and procedures, will be gradually expanded to more complex cases over time, according to a report published in The Star today.
'This implementation will be linked to the planned introduction of basic medical and health insurance or takaful products,' Dzulkefly said at a press conference yesterday.
Patient classification under DRG will follow the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases framework.
Oversight of the implementation will fall under the joint ministerial committee on private healthcare cost, co-chaired by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Dzulkefly.
The committee was formed to address rising private healthcare costs and curb medical inflation.
Dzulkefly said the proposed system has been well received by industry stakeholders and that while challenges may arise, the ministry is confident it can adjust as needed.
'There may be glitches or hiccups when DRG is implemented but I believe we will be able to finetune it with the support from all stakeholders,' he said.
Under the DRG model, each patient category will have a fixed payment rate, replacing the current system where charges vary by services rendered and duration of hospital stay.
Dzulkefly also clarified that the ministry's Rakan KKM initiative is not a privatisation of public healthcare but a government-backed effort to expedite non-emergency procedures.
'Rakan KKM is not a privatisation programme as it does not use private funds but is a government investment financed by government-linked investment companies,' he said.
He added that emergency patients will continue to receive equal treatment, while those with elective cases can choose faster services through Rakan KKM or remain in the standard queue.
Proceeds from the programme will be channelled back into improving public healthcare facilities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Health Ministry committed to advancing AI, data analytics in healthcare system
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is committed to enhancing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics in the country's healthcare system. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said this was in response to today's public health challenges, including urbanisation, dual disease burdens, and unequal access, which required new, evidence-based and technology-driven approaches. "AI is not a replacement for humans, but a catalyst for early prevention, efficient resource utilisation and more equitable services," he said in a Facebook post today. He said initial steps had already begun, with 80 clinics using a cloud-based Clinical Clinic Management System (CCMS), 230 clinics and 22 hospitals adopting Electronic Medical Records (EMR), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) developing AI models for Covid-19, diabetic retinopathy, and leprosy. "Currently, the NIH is developing a Trusted Research Environment (TRE) as a secure and collaborative cloud-based analytics platform. "This transformation cannot be driven by the government alone. It requires the involvement of all, especially researchers, practitioners and policymakers. Together, we can make it a success," he added. - BERNAMA
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Pasir Gudang Hospital must be fully staffed, says Johor Regent
JOHOR BARU: The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, called on the Health Ministry to immediately deploy health workers to the soon-to-open Pasir Gudang Hospital, amid persistent staffing shortages in the state's existing hospitals. Tunku Ismail said the hospital, which is expected to begin operation soon, must be fully staffed to meet the medical needs of Johoreans and relieve congestion at facilities such as Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA), Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI) and Temenggong Seri Maharaja Tun Ibrahim Hospital. "I urge the Health Ministry to expedite postings and approvals for outstanding vacancies. Health services are not a luxury – they are a fundamental right," His Royal Highness said in a statement on Facebook today. At the same time, Tunku Ismail urged companies operating within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) to offer a minimum wage of RM4,000 to local graduates. "This is crucial to retain talent, ensure fair compensation, and address the long-standing brain drain in Johor," he said, adding that current employers should review their pay scales in line with rising living costs and the need for competitiveness. Tunku Ismail also called on the federal government to formulate a clear initiative to tackle the talent exodus from the state. On infrastructure, he welcomed the RM991 million water supply project approved by Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB), which is expected to deliver an additional 260 million litres per day (mld) to Johor, particularly benefitting the JS-SEZ area. He said that long-term raw water infrastructure plans for up to 2,000 mld have also been approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12). These includes the Sungai Johor Riverside Water Reservoirs (TAPS) Project (200 mld), the Sungai Sedili Barrage and TAPS project (600 mld), and the Sungai Pontian Barrage and TAPS Project (100 mld). "These developments mean investors no longer need to worry about future water supply disruptions," he said, assuring that Johor is building the capacity needed to support its industrial and domestic growth up to 2060. "The well-being of Johoreans is my priority. I will not stop speaking out to ensure their voices are not lost in bureaucratic red tape," Tunku Ismail added.
The Sun
13 hours ago
- The Sun
Medical officer placement results now available via ePlacement system
PUTRAJAYA: The results for the placement of 2,248 contract medical officers under Grade UD10 who have been offered permanent appointments are now available through the ePlacement system. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that candidates can check their placements starting today. Those wishing to appeal for a change of placement must submit their requests via a Google Form provided in the ePlacement announcement. The appeal period runs from July 8 at 10 am until July 14 at 5 pm. Only appeals with complete documentation submitted within this timeframe will be reviewed by the Placement and Transfer Appeals Committee (JKPP). Dzulkefly emphasized that appeals submitted outside the specified period will not be considered. This measure ensures timely decision-making without disrupting the reporting schedule for duty at assigned placements. The appeal results will be announced on August 19, accessible through the same system. The minister highlighted the ministry's commitment to strengthening Malaysia's public health system by integrating MADANI values, including Sustainability, Well-being, and Creativity. He expressed confidence that these principles will help address future challenges in public health. In response to a proposal by CUEPACS regarding digital medical certificates (MCs) to prevent misuse, Dzulkefly stated that the ministry is currently reviewing the matter. - Bernama
