PSM wants govt to take over UMMC as public hospital delay persists

Summary

• PSM proposes that the Health Ministry fully take over the UMMC and provide services at the same rates as other public hospitals until a new hospital is built in Petaling Jaya.

• PSM’s N Gandipan says no updates have been provided regarding the new hospital’s location, land allocation, or timeline.

PSM today proposed that the Health Ministry fully take over the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) until the construction of a new hospital in Petaling Jaya is completed.

In a statement, the party’s central committee member N Gandipan said the ministry should also provide services at UMMC at the same rates as other public hospitals.

Gandipan said Selangor health executive councillor Jamaliah Jamaluddin announced discussions with the ministry last year to build a new hospital in Petaling Jaya to reduce congestion at Shah Alam Hospital.

However, he said, no further information has been provided till this day, regarding the location, land allocation, or project timeline.

"It is highly likely that this process will take considerable time due to the density of the Petaling district, and it may be difficult to find 17 acres of land to build a public hospital.

"Discussions about a new hospital in Petaling Jaya mean the government itself acknowledges the need to build a new hospital in the Petaling district. Due to the constraints faced by the government, it would be appropriate for the Health Minister to take over UMMC operations and provide services at the same rates as other public hospitals,” he added.

‘Find a solution’

Gandipan further said that the Health Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry should at least sit down and discuss finding a solution to this issue.

“The government should not allow UMMC to increase its service charges.

“Although UMMC defends its decision to raise charges, the reality is extremely bitter for ordinary citizens around Petaling Jaya. It is highly unfair for ordinary people to accept such a drastic hospital fee increase of up to 70 percent," he added.

Gandipan also called on Petaling Jaya residents to speak up and urge the government to fulfil their basic healthcare rights.

"Every day without a public hospital represents an injustice to the residents of Petaling Jaya," he added.

PAC plans 5 more sessions on insurance, hospital fees, report in June

Medicine price display aims to inform, not regulate rates: Armizan

PAC urges govt to tap local firms to cut healthcare costs

'Cheaper than private hospitals' - Health PSSC now backs UMMC fee hike

Fee hike: UMMC patients worried but resigned

Health PSSC urges UMMC to explain fee hike