The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) is extremely disappointed that the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2019 which would enhance patients’ protection has been withdrawn. It appears the government is not concerned about increasing patient protection or patient welfare.
Previous governments had to some extent protected patients by regulating how much doctors could charge patients, as healthcare is a right not a commodity.
However, the previous health minister decided to eliminate the price ceilings and now there is no price control. Doctors can charge as they please, patients lose their protection and their rights are trampled upon.
While doctors are allowed to charge as they please, they are required to be transparent by clearly indicating the breakdown of charges for consultations and for each medicine prescribed. Patients will then know exactly how much and what they are paying for.
With transparency in medication costs, the patient can then make a choice on whether they want to purchase from the clinic or a pharmacy. For convenience, many may choose to buy from the clinic, while other more cost-conscious consumers may choose to compare prices to get the best value for money.
However, the key has to be that they are made aware of the price of each medicine given. It is the patients’ right to know how much he/she is paying for any product or service.
It is interesting to note that medicines, essential for consumer well-being, are not covered by the Consumer Protection Act, where price information is mandatory and sellers can be charged for not displaying the prices.
While it may not be practical to display the prices of medicines at the clinic, at the very least at the point of payment, the patient should be given that information clearly. Currently, the practice is to just lump all the charges together. Patients have no means to ascertain if they are getting the best deal or are being overcharged.
The amendment to the bill would to some extent ensure that protection. The withdrawal of the bill for the third time is deeply disappointing. Patients’ rights have been trampled on once again.
Paul Selva Raj is CEO of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.