The Malaysian government has approved a revision of consultation fees for general practitioners (GPs), a move aimed at addressing the escalating costs faced by private clinics. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given the green light for the fee adjustments, with an official statement expected before May.
This decision, also endorsed by the National Action Council on Cost of Living, comes after years of lobbying by the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM). The association has long argued that the current fee structure, capped since 2006 at a range of RM10 to RM35, is unsustainable given the rising operational costs. They have proposed a new range of RM50 to RM150 to reflect the economic realities faced by smaller clinics, many of which have been forced to shut down.
“We are in the final stages of discussion with government agencies to determine the GPs’ consultation fees,” Dr Dzulkefly said at a press conference on 13 March. His announcement signals a potential lifeline for private practitioners struggling to balance affordability for patients with the financial viability of their practices. 
A Balancing Act: Affordability vs. Sustainability
The revision of GP fees is a contentious issue in Malaysia, where healthcare costs have been a growing concern for both policymakers and the public. Private healthcare plays a significant role in the country’s dual-tiered system, complementing public facilities that are often overstretched. However, the affordability of private care remains a critical issue for many Malaysians, particularly those in lower-income brackets who may rely on private GPs for quicker access to medical services.
The FPMPAM’s push for higher fees is rooted in the stark reality of inflation and increased operational expenses over the past two decades. A statement from the association on 6 March highlighted that costs for rent★★★★, staff salaries, and medical supplies have soared since the fees were last set. For smaller clinics, which often lack the economies of scale enjoyed by larger private hospitals, these pressures have proven particularly acute, leading to closures across the country.
Yet, the proposed fee range of RM50 to RM150 has sparked debate about its potential impact on patients. Critics worry that higher consultation fees could deter individuals from seeking timely medical care, particularly in rural areas where public healthcare facilities may be less accessible. If implemented without safeguards, such as subsidies or tiered pricing, the revision risks exacerbating existing inequalities in healthcare access.
On the other hand, proponents argue that sustainable fees are essential to maintaining the quality of care. Underpaid and overworked GPs may cut corners or reduce service hours, ultimately harming patients. A balanced approach, they suggest, could involve government support for low-income patients alongside the fee revision.
Transparency in Healthcare Costs
Alongside the fee revision, Dr Dzulkefly emphasized the government’s push for greater transparency in healthcare pricing. Starting 1 May, private clinics will be required to display medicine prices, a measure aimed at empowering patients to make informed decisions about their treatment options. The initiative, first announced in Parliament in November 2024, is part of a broader effort to combat medical inflation and promote competitive pricing in the private sector.
“The price display will enable patients to make informed decisions about the choices of treatment while pushing for competitive market forces,” Dr Dzulkefly explained. “This will also indirectly help reduce the issue of medical inflation.”
However, compliance with the price display rule among private GPs appears contingent on the fee revision. Many practitioners have indicated readiness to adhere to the transparency requirement only if consultation fees under Schedule 7 of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act are updated. Dr Dzulkefly has assured the GP community of his commitment to advocating for their concerns, urging their cooperation with the upcoming regulation.
Private hospitals, meanwhile, have reportedly expressed preparedness to implement the price display rule without such conditions. This discrepancy highlights the differing financial pressures faced by various segments of the private healthcare sector.
Broader Implications for Malaysia’s Healthcare System
The dual focus on fee revisions and pricing transparency reflects a broader challenge for Malaysia’s healthcare system: balancing cost control with quality and accessibility. Medical inflation has been a persistent issue in the region, driven by factors such as an ageing population, rising chronic disease rates, and the increasing cost of medical technology. For Malaysia, a middle-income nation with aspirations to achieve high-income status, ensuring equitable healthcare remains a critical policy priority.
The proposed fee hike, if confirmed, may have ripple effects beyond GP clinics. It could set a precedent for other healthcare providers to seek similar adjustments, potentially driving up overall costs for patients. At the same time, it may encourage more practitioners to enter or remain in the private sector, addressing shortages in certain areas. The government will need to carefully monitor these dynamics to prevent unintended consequences.
Moreover, the push for transparency could reshape patient-provider relationships. By making pricing visible, patients may feel more empowered to question costs or seek more affordable options, fostering a more competitive market. However, this assumes a level of health literacy and financial capacity that not all Malaysians possess. Without accompanying measures—such as public education campaigns or financial assistance—the benefits of transparency may be limited to higher-income groups.
Regional Context and Public Sentiment
Malaysia’s healthcare challenges are not unique in South East Asia, where many countries grapple with similar issues of affordability and access. In neighbouring Thailand, for instance, a universal healthcare scheme provides a safety net for most citizens, though private care remains expensive for non-covered services. Indonesia, meanwhile, has struggled to expand its national health insurance system to cover rural and informal workers, leaving many reliant on out-of-pocket payments.
Within Malaysia, public sentiment on the fee revision appears mixed. While some acknowledge the need to support private GPs, others express frustration over the potential burden on household budgets. Social media platforms have seen discussions on the issue, with calls for the government to introduce subsidies or exemptions for vulnerable groups alongside any fee increase.
Looking Ahead: A Delicate Policy Challenge
As the Malaysian government finalizes the revised fee structure, it faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, supporting private GPs is essential to maintaining a robust healthcare ecosystem, particularly as public facilities struggle with demand. On the other, protecting patients from escalating costs is a political and ethical imperative.
The outcome of these discussions, expected before May, will likely shape public trust in the government’s handling of healthcare policy. If the revision is paired with measures to mitigate its impact on low-income households—such as targeted subsidies or enhanced public healthcare funding—it could serve as a model for addressing similar challenges across the region.
For now, stakeholders await the official announcement with a mix of anticipation and caution. Dr Dzulkefly’s assurance to continue advocating for GPs suggests a willingness to engage with the sector’s concerns, but the broader question of affordability remains unresolved. As Malaysia navigates this complex terrain, the interplay between cost, quality, and access will remain at the heart of the debate, with implications for millions of patients and providers alike.
