Latest news with #GalenCentreforHealthandSocialPolicy
New Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Transparency, action keys to building trust in tackling workplace bullying in public healthcare sector '
KUALA LUMPUR: Confidential complaint channels and support systems for victims are crucial in addressing workplace bullying in the public healthcare sector, says Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy. Its chief executive Azrul Mohd Khalib said these mechanisms must be supported with regular reporting of incidents, actions taken and remedial measures — potentially through online dashboards — to ensure transparency and accountability. "It sends a right and positive signal that allegations of workplace bullying and related issues will be taken seriously. "This move provides a framework for such complaints to be properly handled and places accountability on supervisors and the Health Ministry's leadership," he told the New Straits Times. Azrul was commenting on Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad's statement that a secure complaint channel and psychosocial support are among the key features of the ministry's upcoming workplace bullying guidelines, scheduled for launch this October. The guidelines, which will apply to all Health Ministry personnel, outline structured measures to prevent, report, and manage bullying incidents across the ministry. He said the guidelines will include designated reporting channels that ensure confidentiality and protection for complainants. Currently, bullying cases can be reported through the MyHELP portal, which was launched on Oct 1, 2022. Reports submitted online must be investigated within 15 working days, depending on whether the case is classified as standard or complex. Azrul said that while the proposed confidential complaint channels and psychosocial support mechanisms were a step in the right direction, their success would depend on implementation and trust in the system. "The key factor is to ensure confidentiality is protected and that these mechanisms function effectively. It must work through decades of institutional inertia and distrust of bureaucracy," he said. To ensure the guidelines are enforced effectively nationwide, he said leadership must set the tone — from the minister down to heads of divisions, state health directors and frontliners at hospitals and clinics. "There must be training and briefings to show that these guidelines are being taken seriously. Leaders must lead by example to build trust in the system," he said.
Focus Malaysia
16-07-2025
- Health
- Focus Malaysia
Galen Centre: Breast cancer must be recognised in the 2025 United Nations Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health
THE Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy has called for the United Nations and its member states to explicitly recognise breast cancer as a priority disease area within the final Political Declaration to be adopted during the 4th High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in New York this September. Its chief executive Azrul Mohd Khalib said the ommission of breast cancer in the zero draft of the 2025 Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health is a serious oversight that fails to reflect the lived realities and urgent public health needs of millions of women across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. 'We call for Malaysia, as chair of ASEAN for 2025 and a leader of this region, to take up this call to include breast cancer in this important declaration,' he said. 'In Malaysia, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths among women, accounting for over 30% of all female cancers. Nine women lose their lives to breast cancer each day.' Citing the Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report 2012–2016, Azrul further noted that one in 19 women is at risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. Worryingly, over 47% of cases are detected at late stages (Stage 3 or 4), when survival rates are significantly lower and treatment costs exponentially higher. Unfortunately, Malaysia's 5 year survival rate for breast cancer is among the worst in the Asia-Pacific region. Meanwhile, a study by Universiti Putra Malaysia found that 13.6% of women in Malaysia are diagnosed before the age of 40, which is higher than in Western countries. 'The burden of breast cancer is not only medical—it is social, economic, and deeply gendered. Many women face barriers to early detection, including stigma, low awareness, lack of access to mammograms, and unaffordable treatment options,' Azrul continued. 'The disease also disproportionately affects women in low- and middle-income countries in the region, where health systems are under strain and cancer care infrastructure remains underdeveloped. We cannot afford to leave out breast cancer in this important declaration. 'In Southeast Asia, the incidence of breast cancer has risen steadily, compounded by increasing urbanisation, lifestyle changes, and ageing populations. 'Health illiteracy, the lack of structured national screening programmes and delays in diagnosis contribute to high mortality rates across the Southeast Asian region. 'We strongly echo the sentiments expressed by global health advocates that breast cancer cannot be excluded from global NCD agendas. It is a leading cause of premature death among women and demands a concerted, multisectoral response.' The Galen Centre calls for the 2025 United Nations Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health to: Explicitly include breast cancer as a priority NCD within the global agenda; Recognise the unique challenges faced by women in low- and middle-income countries in accessing breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care; Support equity in cancer control, including commitments to universal health coverage, affordable medicines, early detection programmes, and investments in oncology infrastructure; and Promote national cancer control strategies that integrate breast cancer prevention and treatment, with measurable targets and accountability frameworks. 'No woman should be left behind in the fight against NCDs. Breast cancer should be recognised as a political, economic, and health priority for the region and the world,' stressed Azrul. 'As Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries strive to meet Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 (to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030) the inclusion of breast cancer is not optional; it is essential.' ‒ July 17, 2025 Main image: Shutterstock/Jo Panuwat D
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Systemic overhaul needed to reform healthcare
PETALING JAYA: With Malaysia's healthcare system under mounting strain, health experts and consumer advocates are calling on the government to deliver bold, systemic reforms – not just promises. They say only transformative change can address a system burdened by rising costs, limited access and uneven accountability. 'It can't be another symbolic gesture,' said Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy CEO Azrul Mohd Khalib. 'Superficial adjustments won't be enough, we need real reform to ensure every Malaysian has fair and affordable access to healthcare.' Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced that the government would form a high-level task force – comprising representatives from the Health Ministry, Finance Ministry and Bank Negara – to implement bold reforms to fix long-standing inefficiencies in Malaysia's healthcare system. Azrul stressed that entrenched problems, such as fragmented services, opaque pricing and under-regulated private sector players require sweeping and urgent measures. 'The committee should urgently tackle inefficiencies by enforcing price transparency in private hospitals, standardising medical fees and introducing value-based payment systems such as the Diagnosis-Related Group model.' He warned that disjointed data systems between the public and private sectors have led to duplicated services and unnecessary spending, and called for tighter digital integration and regulation of third-party administrators, insurers and private providers to eliminate hidden mark-ups. Azrul also urged a complete overhaul of healthcare financing, pointing out that Malaysia's health expenditure remains below global benchmarks. 'The task force should push for a national health and social insurance model with pooled contributions from employers and employees. 'This would reduce out-of-pocket spending, protect households from catastrophic bills and ensure cost-sharing across the system.' Azrul recommended setting clear key performance indicators requiring regular public updates and mandating independent audits. He also called for parliamentary oversight and the involvement of civil society to ensure transparency and policy continuity. He stressed that reaching underserved groups must be a key priority. 'Private hospitals receiving tax incentives should be required to provide affordable care quotas. We must also expand telemedicine, mobile services and subsidies for rural patients.' Azrul added that small but visible steps could quickly build public trust in the reform effort, such as mandatory itemised billing and a national online platform for patients to report billing complaints. Echoing his concerns, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) president Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said Malaysians are facing a dual crisis: spiralling private healthcare costs and overwhelmed public facilities. 'One of the most pressing issues is rising private healthcare costs, where patients are billed without clarity and exposed to unchecked price hikes.' Saravanan noted that medical inflation in Malaysia is among the highest in the region, yet there is no legal mechanism to regulate it or even public data to justify the increases. 'Procedures, room charges, consultation fees and medications must be disclosed and regulated. Itemised bills should be mandatory.' He also called for a national database of verified healthcare pricing and tighter control over insurance premiums. 'Healthcare must be governed by strong public policy. Patients, not profits, must be at the centre.' He proposed the creation of a permanent Consumer Health Advisory Council and digital feedback mechanisms to ensure that reforms are informed by the public's live experiences. 'Fomca also backs the idea of a national health insurance scheme, provided it includes robust protections, such as subsidies for the B40 and M40 income groups and oversight by an independent, non-political body. 'The government must prioritise rural infrastructure, expand mobile clinics and offer incentives for healthcare workers. Healthcare is a public right. 'Without legislation and enforcement, aspirations won't translate into impact. 'It's time for the government to lead, not just manage,' he added.
New Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Chain pharmacies offer savings, but independents still win on trust
ALOR STAR: Malaysians are increasingly split between choosing chain pharmacies for their competitive prices and sticking with trusted, independent community pharmacists — especially as new pricing regulations come into force. For Roshila Murni Rosli, a diabetic patient undergoing dialysis, affordability and convenience took precedence in her decision-making, with chain pharmacies emerging as the clear winner. "Prices are usually much better and their service is good enough. Pharmacists still explain what I need to know." The implementation of mandatory price labelling at all pharmacies from May 1 has further empowered her choices. "This is a good step forward. It makes it easier for people like me to compare and make informed decisions," said the private sector worker in her 30s. She said she had no issue with independent pharmacies, but they often lacked medication she needed or they were too costly. "It's not that I don't want to support the small guys, but sometimes the price difference is too much." For retired civil servant Azizan Rosman, 76, the choice is not quite as clear-cut. For more than a decade, he was loyal to an independent pharmacy in his neighbourhood until the rise of chain pharmacies prompted him to reconsider his options. "Now, I decide based on what's convenient for me. If it's something basic or cheaper at the chains, I'll go there. But when I need proper advice, I come back here," he said after picking up medication at a pharmacy here. Azizan said he valued the long-standing trust he had built with his local pharmacists, who were familiar with his medical history and offered tailored advice. "They're honest and transparent. I've known them for years. They sometimes carry medication I can't get at the chains." He acknowledged the price gap, saying independent pharmacies could not compete with the bulk-buying power of large chains. "I feel sorry for them because they don't get the same discounts, but as a consumer, flexibility is a good thing." The growth of chain pharmacies has not gone unnoticed by health policy experts, who say it is a natural result of market forces. But they warn against overlooking the role of independent players. Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy chief executive Azrul Mohd Khalib said volume-based discounts allowed chain pharmacies to offer lower prices. "This is how a free market works. It rewards scale and efficiency, which ultimately benefits the public." However, he said, independent pharmacies played a critical role in filling gaps, especially in rural or underserved communities. "They often stock items not available in government or private clinics and they're usually more accessible for personalised counselling." While some have called for government intervention to protect small pharmacies, Azrul believed collaboration, not regulation, was the way forward. "Rather than more government intervention, what's needed is smarter collaboration, such as shared warehousing or pooled procurement among independent pharmacies." But he admitted that this was easier said than done. "There is competition even among independents. These ideas sound good on paper, but implementation is tough without a willingness to cooperate."
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Transparency in medical billing vital
IN January 2025, chief executive of Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy Azrul Mohd Khalib highlighted that an estimated 70% of private hospital charges remain unregulated. This means that hospitals have the liberty to set arbitrary prices for a range of items and services, including essential medical equipment such as wheelchairs, heart monitors and even emesis basins. Only 30% of hospital bills are regulated, primarily covering specialist fees and medication. This lack of oversight has led to numerous cases where patients unknowingly pay excessive sum of medical bills for items that should otherwise be reasonably priced. Hidden hospital charges, often labelled as profiteering, are a widespread problem in Malaysia. For example, a simple medical glove that costs RM5 per pair may be billed at RM20. In most cases, patients pay these inflated charges without question. This is because patients rarely scrutinise their medical bills, either due to a lack of knowledge or because they assume that everything charged is legitimate. As a result, they end up shouldering excessive costs without the ability to challenge these expenses. One of the most alarming aspects of hidden hospital charges is the suppression of information. Some hospitals use this tactic to increase their revenue without the patient's awareness. Malaysia's current healthcare system lacks a clear mechanism for patients to challenge inflated or hidden costs, unlike in countries that have implemented price transparency regulations. For instance, the US introduced the hospital price transparency rule on Jan 1, 2021, which makes it a requirement for hospitals to publicly disclose a list of their standard charges for various services. This enables patients to compare hospital prices before seeking treatment and allowing them to make informed financial decisions regarding their medical care. Similarly, Singapore was set to introduce the Health Information Bill in mid-2024, which would improve transparency in healthcare pricing and data management. The country also has a robust regulatory system where medical costs in public hospitals are monitored and pricing is often published online, allowing patients to compare treatment costs across different hospitals. Australia follows a different but equally effective approach. The Australian government regulates healthcare pricing through the Medicare Benefits Schedule, which ensures that citizens and permanent residents receive subsidies for hospital services. Private hospitals in Australia are required to provide financial consent before treatment, meaning patients must be informed about the estimated costs and any out-of-pocket expenses they may incur. This allows patients to plan their finances accordingly and prevents hospitals from imposing hidden charges after treatment. Additionally, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission closely monitors healthcare pricing to prevent exploitative billing practices. The right to know the cost of medical treatment is a fundamental consumer right that is often overlooked in Malaysia. Patients should be entitled to an itemised bill that details each charge, allowing them to identify any unnecessary or excessive fees. Hospitals should also be required to disclose pricing structures upfront so that patients can make financial decisions with clarity. In instances where patients identify unethical billing practices, they should have a legal avenue to dispute the charges. Many patients are unaware of the steps they can take to protect themselves from hidden charges. One of the most effective ways to safeguard against excessive billing is to demand an itemised bill. By requesting a detailed breakdown of all charges, patients can scrutinise their medical expenses and challenge any discrepancies. Furthermore, patients should not hesitate to dispute unethical fees. If a hospital bill contains unjustified charges, patients should engage with the hospital's billing department to seek clarification. In cases where disputes remain unresolved, patients should report the matter to the Health Ministry or the National Consumer Complaint Centre (NCCC). This organisation plays a crucial role in advocating for consumer rights and ensuring that unethical hospital billing practices are addressed. Insurance also plays a crucial role in managing medical expenses. Patients must have a clear understanding of their insurance coverage, including which procedures and treatments are included and which are not. Many insurance policies require pre-authorisation for specific treatments, making it essential for policyholders to obtain the necessary approvals before undergoing medical procedures. Patients should communicate with their insurance providers to ensure they are fully aware of the coverage limitations and potential exclusions in their policies. Key takeaways for understanding insurance include: Always review the policy's terms and conditions to understand claimable and non-claimable expenses. Verify whether a guarantee letter from the employer or insurer fully covers all medical treatments. Ask for a pre-treatment estimate and clarify any potential additional costs before proceeding with medical procedures. Ensure that any required pre-authorisations are obtained before undergoing hospital treatments. To improve transparency and prevent hospitals from imposing unreasonable charges, the government should consider implementing several key reforms. Firstly, the government should introduce regulations that mandate hospitals to disclose their pricing structures publicly. This would allow patients to compare costs across different hospitals and make informed decisions regarding their medical care. For example, legal fees for lawyers are strictly regulated by the Solicitors' Remuneration Order 2023. Secondly, an independent regulatory body should be established to oversee private hospital pricing and ensure that all charges are fair and justifiable. This body could also act as a mediator in billing disputes, providing patients with a channel to contest excessive fees. Thirdly, greater public awareness initiatives should be launched to educate consumers on their rights in relation to hospital billing and insurance coverage. Many patients remain unaware of the steps they can take to protect themselves. If faced with hidden charges, patients have several avenues for recourse. The first step is to file a complaint with the hospital's patient relations officer. If the issue remains unresolved, patients can escalate the complaint to the Health Ministry. Additionally, consumer protection groups, such as NCCC, can assist in addressing cases of overpricing and unethical billing practices. By taking collective action, patients can play a significant role in pushing for greater transparency in the healthcare system. The issue of hidden hospital charges is a growing concern and by looking at international best practices and adopting measures to regulate hospital pricing, Malaysia can move towards a more transparent and fair healthcare system. It is crucial for the government and consumers to work together in addressing this problem, ensuring that patients receive the medical care they need without being subjected to unjust financial strain. The time for change is now and concrete steps must be taken to protect the rights and financial well-being of patients. In response to these systemic issues, Fomca (Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations) has been lobbying for the establishment of an independent oversight body to regulate managed healthcare insurance third-party administrators (MHIT) and private hospitals. This body would play a vital role in ensuring accountability, transparency and fairness in billing practices, and it would also serve as a mediator in dispute resolutions between consumers, insurance providers and healthcare institutions. Fomca believes that such a regulatory framework is long overdue. The absence of regulatory safeguards has allowed MHIT and private hospitals to act with near-impunity, often leaving patients helpless in contesting exorbitant medical bills. NCCC
