Deputy health minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the discussion would also involve the finance ministry, as IJN falls under its jurisdiction.

“We will discuss and review the reasons behind the increase in costs or fees imposed on patients as this will also impact the health ministry since we still refer patients to IJN,” he told a press conference at Parliament today.

“That’s the response for now as we cannot influence the fees charged since IJN does not come under the health ministry.”

IJN chief executive Dr Ezani Taib was reported to have said last week that costs had gone up since the fee structure was set over 20 years ago.

“We still charge the government the original costs. So, we are seeking an increase of 10% to 40%, depending on the procedure,” he said, according to the Edge financial weekly.

“However, it will not reach (the level) that private hospitals charge.”