Putrajaya: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad to urgently address the issues raised by private medical practitioners concerning the implementation of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who also acts as the MADANI Government spokesman, stated that the matter was brought up during the Cabinet meeting, where Anwar requested clarification from Dr Dzulkefly. The issue involves the application of Act 723, which is under the purview of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. Some general practitioners have questioned why this act is being applied instead of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586). The prime minister has thus requested an immediate explanation.

More than 300 general practitioners held a peaceful gathering near the Perdana Putra building to express their opposition to the application of Act 723 in the medical field. They demand a review of Act 723, advocating for regulation under Act 586, which they believe adequately governs private medical practice and healthcare services.

Fahmi mentioned that the Seventh Schedule under Act 586, which deals with consultation and procedural charges for GPs at private clinics, will also undergo a review. Dr Dzulkefly has prepared a Cabinet paper on the matter, and a decision is expected within a week or two. The media previously reported that the Seventh Schedule has not been amended since 2006.