Speaking at the launch of KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital’s new block in Bukit Mertajam today, Anwar said he has emphasised his stance on the matter to the governor of Bank Negara, Rasheed Abdul Ghaffour.

“If these (price increases) are necessary, I have no issue. If there is a reasonable excuse, we will face the public (on the matter). But if I am not convinced that the increases are reasonable, I will not defend nor allow them,” he said.

Anwar said Malaysia should emulate the procedures and standards for medical pricing used in other countries.

He said Georgetown University Hospital in the US provides a heart stent that comes with a guarantee of two to five years. “If any complications arise, the hospital is obliged to offer a reduction. We need to establish mechanisms like this,” he said.

An MP recently called for a regulatory body on private hospitals, and a parliamentary inquiry into rising medical costs and higher insurance premiums.

Public Accounts Committee member Sim Tze Tzin pledged to move for an open hearing, with a town hall session for the public, and hoped concerned citizens would come forward to provide their opinions to the government.

He said some MPs are pressing for a body to regulate the charges and fees of private hospitals “because there aren’t any frameworks monitoring them”.