Deputy Health Minister Hilmi Yahaya said the programme would not impact the people as they would still pay only RM1 for medical treatment.

“The FPP programme is only for those who can afford (to pay for medical treatment) and it is a way to retain specialists at public hospitals and at the same time, capitalise on the loop-hole in providing free healthcare for foreigners,” he said at a press conference here.

The FPP programme was introduced in 2007. The specialist in charge receives 60 percent of the fees charged for each surgery or medical process, and the remaining 40 percent goes to the hospital.

“We hope with this programme, specialists will stay with us instead of resigning and moving to private health institutions,” said Dr Hilmi.

Patients who opt for the FPP programme can chose their own doctor and suitable time to conduct the surgery. However, it will only be held on holidays and non-peak times.

However, the programme only caters to 30 percent of the total patients in hospitals and the price offered is half what is offered at private hospitals.