Kuala Lumpur: The implementation of the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) payment model will be imposed on both public and private healthcare providers, with a particular emphasis on the private sector, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. This decision aims to create a standardized and equitable framework to address medical inflation in the private healthcare sector.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Dzulkefly clarified the scope of the DRG model in response to claims suggesting its exclusive application to public healthcare providers. He emphasized the importance of implementing the model across both sectors to ensure fairness and equity, particularly focusing on the private sector to curb rising medical costs.

Dr Dzulkefly highlighted that the implementation timeline and process involve multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, Bank Negara Malaysia, and others, indicating that the decision extends beyond the Ministry of Health alone.

Furthermore, he announced that the first phase of the DRG system, targeting minor illnesses in hospitals, is expected to roll out by the end of the year. This initiative aims to improve transparency in patient treatment charges and address the increasing costs of healthcare, which significantly impact medical insurance premiums.