Annex A Form Not A Waiver For Foreign Patients’ Hospital Fees - Dzulkefly

PUTRAJAYA, March 15 (Bernama) -- Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has clarified that the Annex A (Borang Lampiran A) form used at government healthcare facilities serves as a payment deferment for life-saving situations and is not a waiver of charges for foreign patients.

He said the form allows for temporary deferment of the deposit to ensure that resuscitation and stabilisation can be performed immediately in life-or-death situations at the Emergency Department.

“This does not mean they are exempt from being charged. Once the patient is stabilised and admitted to the ward, the deposit payment process will proceed,” he told reporters after participating in the Kembara bersama Cik Era programme here today.

The Minister was responding to allegations by a social media user, claiming to be a healthcare worker, who alleged that foreigners could avoid treatment charges by claiming they do not possess passports.

Dr Dzulkefly explained that all foreign patients are required to pay a deposit before admission to the ward, specifically RM1,400 for Class Three medical cases and RM2,800 for surgical cases.

He added that United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cardholders are charged 50 per cent of the stipulated deposit rates.

Dr Dzulkefly further said that deposit payments are only waived for foreigners with valid insurance coverage, such as the Foreign Workers' Health Insurance Protection Scheme (SPIKPA) and Refugee Medical Insurance (REMEDI).

“If a patient does not have insurance or sufficient funds, they will be required to contact their next of kin, such as family or friends, to settle the deposit amount,” he said.

Addressing the social media claims, Dr Dzulkefly said the Ministry of Health (MOH) views the matter seriously and is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to verify the allegations.

“We must respect those who provide information and we want an audit to be conducted. Furthermore, whistleblowers must be protected,” he said.

Dr Dzulkefly added that he, along with Health director-general Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab and MOH secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, would discuss the allegations with the ministry's top management.

-- BERNAMA