Kuala lumpur: Interim measures to manage rising medical costs remain effective, as ongoing initiatives will strengthen healthcare delivery and help curb medical insurance inflation, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour. He noted that over the past three years, the government has implemented five key thrusts and 11 recommendations aimed at improving medical services, enhancing implementation, and addressing the rising cost of health insurance premiums.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the governor highlighted the revamping of the medical and health insurance/takaful (MHIT) product as a significant step forward. He mentioned that they are currently testing a base product as part of this revamp, aiming for completion by the end of the year and a rollout in selected areas next year.

Abdul Rasheed pointed out that other initiatives include strengthening the digital health system, expanding cost-effective healthcare options, leveraging primary care providers to reduce implementation costs, and transforming the primary care payment mechanism through digital tools. He expressed optimism that these efforts will bring down payment costs and ensure a more sustainable healthcare system.

Last December, BNM announced interim measures with the insurance and takaful industry to help policyholders facing premium revisions for their MHIT products, aiming to ease their immediate financial burden while preserving coverage.