No mandatory itemised billing for private clinics - MOH

Summary

• The Health Ministry clarifies that it is not making itemised billing mandatory for private clinics.

• The statement follows a confusion that occurred during a TikTok Live session by a government pharmacist.

The Health Ministry has clarified that it is not requiring private healthcare facilities to provide itemised billing to every patient.

This came after a government pharmacist suggested so during a recent TikTok Live session to explain to the public about a recent government order for all clinics to display their drug prices.

"Itemised billings are only mandatory upon request by the patient and must be provided without any extra charge. This is to make it easier for patients to understand the details of charges for services, treatment and drugs they receive.

"The Health Ministry would like to clarify there is no policy change or announcement of any new policy regarding itemised billings by private clinics," said a statement issued by the ministry’s Pharmacy Practice and Development Division.

Two days ago, the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM) issued an objection against the Pharmaceutical Services Programme's officer, who had purportedly directed private general practitioners and specialist clinics to implement itemised billing.

In a statement, the federation said pharmacists have no authority to regulate doctors and urged the Health Ministry to clarify the matter.

"This announcement, made over social media without any formal directive, circular, or legal amendment, is a gross overreach. It disregards the established regulatory framework that governs private medical practice in Malaysia.

"Doctors are not retailers. We are licensed under the Medical Act 1971 and regulated by the Malaysian Medical Council. Private medical clinics fall under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), not the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723).

"The itemisation of consultation fees, procedures, and medications is a matter of clinical governance - not pharmaceutical jurisdiction," said the statement.

Adding further, FPMPAM also urged the government to clarify whether the Price Display Order gazetted under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 will apply to medical clinics.

The group also threatened to "unbundle all services", which would result in higher patient charges, should they continue to be pressured.

Minister: Moratorium on 45-hour work week for nurses extended

Medicine price display: PM orders health minister to explain law issue

Medicine price display not meant to burden doctors - MOH

Doctors rich? Almost 30pct in B40 group, says MMA rep

Memo to PM: Doctors protest regulatory overreach, fee freeze