UMMC said there are various financial assistance programmes, including payment plans and options for medical, social and welfare support, for underprivileged patients.
“Patients currently benefiting from subsidies for our medical treatment will not be impacted,” it said in a statement today.
It urged the public to refer to the hospital’s finance department for help in understanding the changes in the fees and exploring available financial assistance options.
“You can reach them at the assessment unit, at the Lobby of Menara Selatan, UMMC or via email at [email protected],” it said.
The hospital stressed its commitment as an academic medical centre, fostering a robust environment for education, training and research.
“These adjustments are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of our medical centre, our ability to continue providing the highest quality care, and enhancing patients’ outcomes,” it said.
Yesterday, UMMC, popularly known as University Hospital, announced sharp rises in consultation, admission and service charges, which now cost up to three times more.
The new fees came into effect on Jan 1 following rising costs of medical supplies and equipment, it said in a statement.
General clinic consultation fees are up from RM5 to RM15, while follow-up specialist consultation fees have increased from RM15 to RM50. Specialist consultation fees are up from RM30 to RM80, and ward admission in a single adult room has risen from RM120 to RM300.
UMMC said its costing method took into consideration all expenses, including equipment, labour, utilities, maintenance, raw materials, and other costs to ensure a “comprehensive calculation” of the services provided to patients.
The announcement received mixed reaction for netizens, with some saying the charges now are “almost” the level of private hospitals.
One netizen lamented that the B40 income group cannot afford the revised rates, and another said a new government hospital should be set up in Petaling Jaya to offer cheaper charges.
Another netizen commented that they are 100% in support of UMMC increasing the rates, especially if this means the hospital would be able to hire more doctors for various specialisations to reduce the workload on its staff.
“Very justifiable, with good doctors and medical assets,” said another comment.