MOH Studying Proposal To Regulate Third-party Administrators In Health Insurance - Dzulkefly

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry (MOH) is studying a proposal to regulate third-party administrators (TPA) that manage health insurance claims, following calls by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) that TPAs should not interfere in doctors’ professional duties when treating patients.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the issue of TPAs had been discussed in Cabinet and required joint scrutiny with several relevant ministries, including the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN).

“TPAs have become an agenda closely monitored by MOH. It has been presented to the Cabinet, but the jurisdiction does not rest solely with MOH, as it also involves other ministries.

“We are working together to find a solution,” he told the media after joining a full enforcement operation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) here today.

Recently, the MMA was reported to have urged the government to regulate TPAs following a new circular issued by a TPA for a major financial institution that required long-term prescriptions to be written using only the active ingredient name.

Dzulkefly said MOH’s policy on the use of generic medicines remained clear, namely that they were acceptable as long as proven safe and effective.

“As long as the generic drugs undergo bio-equivalence and bio-ability studies in terms of safety and efficacy, and show comparable effectiveness with the original drugs, the government’s and MOH’s policy is to use them without issue,” he said.

Commenting on the issue of visitors allegedly being barred from entering hospitals for not complying with the dress code, Dzulkefly stressed that discretion should be prioritised.

“In fact, the visitor was allowed to see the family member (patient), but security advised on dress code compliance. I do not want this matter to be blown out of proportion.

“We do have guidelines, but what is more important is discretion and good communication. The main thing is that visitors are able to visit patients respectfully,” he said.

He added that the dress code at hospitals should be enforced with prudence, without affecting the main purpose of enabling patients to receive support from family members.

The media previously reported that a woman claimed she was denied entry to Cyberjaya Hospital for wearing a sleeveless top.

-- BERNAMA