Kuala lumpur: Five medical and insurance/takaful associations announced that initiatives are being implemented to enhance communication and operational efficiency among doctors, hospitals, insurers, and takaful operators.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the five associations involved are the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia, Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM), Malaysian Takaful Association, and Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia. In a joint statement, they stated that the initiatives aim to improve the overall customer experience across the healthcare ecosystem. This will be achieved through the Healthcare Partners Protocol and Solutions Committee (HPPSC) platform.

The initiatives are categorized into four broad areas, including improving communication between medical practitioners and insurers, enhancing transparency in panelling and review processes for cashless facilities, improving medical and health insurance/takaful claims management operational efficiency, and streamlining the guarantee letter issuance process. A dedicated 'doctor-to-doctor' hotline was established by insurers and takaful operators on April 30, 2026, to support and address claim inquiries, enabling direct discussions between medical practitioners and insurers and takaful operators' medical advisory teams.

LIAM chief executive officer Mark O'Dell emphasized that the initiatives are ultimately designed to benefit patients and policyholders. He noted the importance of collaboration among insurers, takaful operators, healthcare providers, and regulators to develop practical and sustainable solutions that support timely access to care while ensuring the affordability and sustainability of medical and health insurance and takaful coverage for Malaysians.

MMA's Dr. Gunalan Palari highlighted that effective patient care relies on strong collaboration and mutual understanding among all parties involved in the healthcare journey. He stated that through HPPSC, a constructive platform has been established that enables healthcare providers and healthcare financiers to address operational challenges, improve communication, and develop solutions that support better clinical and patient outcomes. The implementation of initiatives like the 'doctor-to-doctor' hotline reflects their commitment to ensuring patients receive timely, appropriate, and coordinated care.