Fahmi told the media today he disagreed with UMMC’s decision to increase its consultation, admission, and service charges, which now cost up to three times more.

The communications minister said as UMMC falls under his constituency, he was informed by its management in 2019 and 2021 of a plan to raise fees and charges and that he told them he disagreed with such a move.

He said he was not consulted before the hospital decided to implement the price increase from this month.

“I called UMMC last Saturday and stated that as the MP (of the area), I disagree with the increase,” he said at a press conference after a health programme in Pantai Dalam here today.

“Many people from Lembah Pantai and Petaling Jaya seek services at UMMC, so we will help these patients (with the RM5 million raised).”

However, Fahmi acknowledged that the hike was unavoidable due to UMMC’s role as a teaching hospital, which differs from government hospitals under the health ministry.

Previously, UMMC issued a statement in which it explained that the new fees, which came into effect on Jan 1, were necessary due to the rising costs of medical supplies and equipment.

A day after announcing the hikes in charges and fees, UMMC issued a statement offering various financial assistance programmes, including payment plans and options for medical, social and welfare support, especially for underprivileged patients.