Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is actively engaged in planning and projecting healthcare service needs to address a potential rise in patient numbers at public hospitals, amidst soaring health insurance costs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Director-General of Health Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab emphasized that these projections are integral to both daily and long-term planning within the public healthcare sector. He noted that such foresight is essential for determining financial requirements and ensuring that adjustments in healthcare service demand are adequately met.

Dr Mahathar elaborated on the need for these projections as a foundational element for planning and securing government financial support. This is critical to meeting the healthcare service needs of the population. His remarks were made during the Malaysian Trauma Conference (MTC) 2026.

The context for these preparations includes reports from KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific president Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, who highlighted a concerning trend of health insurance costs escalating by up to 20 percent annually. These rising costs are prompting serious attention due to the potential financial burden they pose to the public and the corresponding impact on demand for public healthcare services.

In response to these concerns, Dr Mahathar assured that the MOH, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance (MOF), is addressing the issue through a joint committee. This includes initiatives like the government's Medi-Asas programme, which aims to offer Malaysians more affordable and sustainable health coverage through insurance and takaful medical protection plans.

Dr Mahathar also clarified that while the MOH is involved, matters related to insurance premiums and related regulations fall under the jurisdiction of other regulatory agencies.