Kuala lumpur: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has clarified that the Annex A (Borang Lampiran A) form used at government healthcare facilities serves as a payment deferment for life-saving situations and is not a waiver of charges for foreign patients. He emphasized that the form allows for temporary deferment of the deposit to ensure that resuscitation and stabilization can be performed immediately in life-or-death situations at the Emergency Department.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Minister stated that after a patient is stabilized and admitted to the ward, the deposit payment process will proceed. This clarification was made in response to allegations by a social media user, claiming to be a healthcare worker, who alleged that foreigners could avoid treatment charges by claiming they do not possess passports.
Dr Dzulkefly further explained that foreign patients are required to pay a deposit before admission to the ward, specifically RM1,400 for Class Three medical cases and RM2,800 for surgical cases. He noted that United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cardholders are charged 50 percent of the stipulated deposit rates. Additionally, deposit payments are only waived for foreigners with valid insurance coverage, such as the Foreign Workers' Health Insurance Protection Scheme (SPIKPA) and Refugee Medical Insurance (REMEDI).
He mentioned that if a patient does not have insurance or sufficient funds, they will need to contact their next of kin, such as family or friends, to settle the deposit amount. Addressing the social media claims, Dr Dzulkefly affirmed that the Ministry of Health (MOH) views the matter seriously and is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to verify the allegations. He underscored the importance of respecting informants and protecting whistleblowers.
Dr Dzulkefly also mentioned that he, along with Health director-general Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab and MOH secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, would discuss the allegations with the ministry's top management.