The Malaysian medical system is undeniably the most cost-effective health system in the world as proclaimed by the writer of the letter of Healthcare services here beyond compare .

No citizen of this country could deny that our healthcare system is so affordable that every living soul can afford to seek treatment. Nevertheless, affordable service does not necessarily mean good quality healthcare.

The writer has correctly stated that not even Singapore could compete with Malaysia in terms of health cost and other related issues. It is indeed true for even foreign citizens here can enjoy cheap chemotherapy at the expense of the local taxpayer. There are unsubstantiated reports of foreign citizens occupying hospital oncology and maternity wards at the expense of local residents.

The writer is also definitely correct in that there is no complete error-free healthcare system in this world. But I would presume that the writer has probably missed the core issue of all the recent viewpoints. He has mistakenly assumed that since we are able to enjoy affordable medical care, we should be grateful.

But there have been recent cases not about patients complaining about expensive payment but about seeking justice for medical negligence. Missing an ectopic pregnancy is gross negligence.

The Malaysian medical system definitely lags far behind any developed nation in terms of accountability and transparency. There is no benefit in paying a RM1 fee and later die of a complication that is potentially treatable. One may argue mistakes do occur but the issue here is the availability if justice should that occur.

It is unintelligible to argue that since we are fortunate to have a very affordable system, relatives of the unfortunate should mourn their own loss with no avenue to seek justice if medical negligence occurs. I would presume this is the what a lot of people in the system would think. We are being forced to bear with any unwanted negligence as we are paying peanuts. The hardships in seeking justice will only be appreciated by those who are the patients.

The citizens would prefer to have a medical system that is creditable rather than affordable. A system where justice is served for those victimised. A system where the great doctor is exposed to the same jurisdiction like any other normal working person.

However, this is not feasible in our health system as we are expected to go quietly and grieve alone should any complication occur as a result of negligence for the price of RM1.