I refer to the Malaysiakini report Gov't gives green light to IJN privatisation

I vehemently object to such a move by the government. I would like to know first of all, for what plausible reason is the government and the Health Ministry taking such a sudden move that seems to go against the cherished aims and objectives of helping the poor, sick and destitute, which were the core principles of IJN when it was initially set up.

The only reason I can think of are the huge funds needed each year to sustain the operations and maintenance of IJN. But privatising the hospital will only improve its current meager income if it increases its charges appreciably for performing heart operations and other medical procedures.

How else then can the government maintain its good work of subsidising 80 percent of all operations currently carried out by IJN?

There ought to be no other reasons other than financial woes as the hospital seems to be running well, thanks to its board of directors as well as an experienced team of surgeons, doctors, nurses and other medical staff.

Sime Darby Bhd is the owner of Subang Jaya Medical Hospital (SJMC) but this hospital is a top notch private hospital which derives its income solely from patients’ medical and operation charges. Exorbitant fees are charged and only the rich can afford its services, especially when it involves extensive operations.

How then would Sime Darby Bhd juggle its objectives in the health-care industry when the hospitals it is operating seems to be based on totally divergent principles?

The rich and the poor will pay different rates for the same operation. How do you differentiate between a rich person and poor person? In most cases, the rich need never go to IJN as there are many other private hospitals that they can well afford to go to.

In summary, the government will be doing a big disservice to the public for privatising IJN. IJN will loose its good name and this will eventually affect the good name of the government.