KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 – The National Heart Institute (IJN), Malaysia’s premier cardiac centre, has welcomed the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) decision to engage in a constructive dialogue regarding the proposed fee review for MOH-referred patients.
IJN in a statement Thursday said it appreciated the ministry’s openness to discuss the important matter, which affects the well-being of thousands of heart patients in Malaysia.
“We are optimistic that the outcome of the discussions with MOH will be mutually beneficial, safeguarding the affordability of our services for the public, while allowing us to cover escalating costs and continue enhancing the quality of care.
“Ultimately, IJN’s priority is the health and welfare of Malaysian heart patients, and we are committed to working with MOH to ensure that they continue to receive the best possible care at a fair and sustainable cost,” the statement said.
On Monday, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said a discussion will be held between the MOH and IJN to ascertain the reasons behind IJN’s request to increase its fees ranging between 10 to 40 per cent.
In the statement, IJN reiterated that its proposed increase in fees was in light of rising operational costs and the fact that its current fee structure has remained unchanged since 2003.
