Consumers have the right to transparent pricing at private hospitals, says MTPN Sarawak

SIBU (Dec 16): Public concern over the transparency of treatment charges at private hospitals has resurfaced following an emergency treatment incident at a private hospital here, when there was significant discrepancy between the initial cost estimate and final bill charged.

In the Dec 7 incident, a mother brought her daughter to the hospital after the latter fell and required immediate medical attention.

According to her, emergency staff initially informed her that the estimated cost of treatment would be around RM4,000 but after all medical procedures were completed, the final bill amounted to over RM8,000.

The shocking difference raised serious questions about the level of price transparency and shortcomings in the hospital’s communication regarding the actual cost of treatment.

Seeking redress, she contacted National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) Sarawak regional president Lucas Lau, who subsequently voiced concern over such practices.

Lau said every consumer has the right to be clearly and fully informed of treatment costs, and to give consent based on complete information before any medical procedures are performed.

“The practice of imposing non-transparent charges violates one of the eight fundamental consumer rights, namely the right to information,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He added this right is protected under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, particularly Section 3, which guarantees consumers’ right to accurate information and protection against misleading practices.

“MTPN wishes to remind all private hospitals in Malaysia that consumers have the absolute right to know the price of services, whether with or without insurance coverage.

“Overcharging insured patients will only lead to higher insurance premiums over time, which in turn directly increases the cost of living for the public. The right to know prices is a fundamental principle of consumer justice,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Lau also urged Malaysians to consider government hospitals as their primary option for medical treatment.

He noted that with government funding, public hospitals offer comprehensive and quality healthcare services delivered by experienced medical professionals.

“Utilising government hospital facilities is a right and a welfare benefit that should be fully exercised by all Malaysians,” he said, adding that MTPN recommends people from all walks of life to consider public hospitals for their healthcare needs.

MTPN also advised the public to always be proactive by asking questions, obtaining written clarification and confirming the full cost of treatment before signing any consent forms, in order to avoid unexpected financial burdens.

National Consumer Action Council private hospital treatment cost