The government ruling that private hospitals provide patients with quotations for treatment has received positive reaction from consumers bodies.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) president N Marimuthu said it should be practised as the public has the perception that they could afford the cost of treatment.

liberal forum privatisation marimuthu "It's a good move as people expecting bills of RM10,000-RM15,000 from private hospitals often end up paying more," he said when commenting on the new ruling announced by director-general of health Dr Mohd Ismail Merican yesterday.

Marimuthu (left) said consumers should practice correct financial management to avoid ending up with debts.

"They have to be responsible. Car and housing loans have to be paid. If we choose expensive treatment then we have to decide on whether it is paid via insurance or others," he added.

Secretary-general of the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) Maamor Osman said enforcement of the regulation should benefit the public.

"When we fall ill, we have no choice but to seek treatment. It is important that the cost of treatment quoted are standardised."

sausage dilema ppim pc 290305 dr maamor osman holding report On treatment at government hospitals, he said although it is cheap, the long waiting period forced patients to seek alternatives.

Maamor (right) proposed that the government protect the self-employed and those without health insurance coverage.

Peninsular Malaysia Transport Workers Union (TWU) secretary-general Zainal Rampak also agreed that the cost of treatment at private hospitals be standardised.

"Although companies pick up the bills, they only pay half the amount while the rest are paid by employees via monthly salary deductions," he said in a statement today.

Zainal said the high cost of treatment charged by private hospitals should be tackled to avoid victimising patients and their families.

"I was told by a patient's family member that the private hospital will not release the body if bills for the cost of treatment are not paid," he added.

- Bernama