KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is examining the implementation of a national diagnosis-related group (DRG) system aimed at managing the increasing medical expenses in hospital care throughout the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni emphasized the importance of the DRG system, which categorizes patients based on diagnosis, type of treatment, and resources involved during care, for healthcare financing. This system plays a crucial role in calculating health treatment costs, managing resources, and setting tariffs.

The Deputy Minister noted ongoing efforts to potentially deploy the DRG system nationwide, which would enable its adoption by university hospitals, military hospitals, and private hospitals. The objective is to standardize patient treatment costs and prevent overcharging. This initiative is also expected to benefit the M40 and B40 socio-economic groups by facilitating access to private sector treatment without the burden of excessive co
sts.

During a session in the Dewan Rakyat, Lukanisman addressed a supplementary query from Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat), revealing that discussions are underway with the Ministry of Finance concerning the DRG framework’s implementation.

Lukanisman highlighted that the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services (KPJKS) operates under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), with the Malaysian Medical Council (MPM) overseeing matters related to medical ethics and professionalism.

In relation to complaints against KPJKS, Lukanisman disclosed that the MOH Medical Practice Division had received 720 complaints by November 27. Out of these, 263 complaints pertained to personnel issues, with only five cases annually involving the prescription of medication beyond the patient’s needs.