KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is reviewing fee collection procedures for foreigners seeking treatment at its facilities, amidst an outstanding bill of RM36.24mil owed by non-citizens as of September.
“We are currently reviewing procedures for deposits and bank guarantees in terms of rates and collection procedures so that the amount is enough to cover the treatment cost of foreigners,” the ministry said.
It added in a written Parliamentary reply on Tuesday (Dec 10) that the outstanding amount decreased by 9.58% or RM3.84mil from RM40.08mil.
The ministry said this is a result of action taken to recoup the medical bill of foreigners between December 2023 and September.
“The ministry views the record of outstanding medical bill payments for foreigners who had received treatment at MOH facilities seriously,” it said.
To address this, the ministry has entered into agreements with private firms for inpatient treatment services at its facilities.
“Based on this agreement, the private firm will have to arrange for a bank guarantee for the ministry based on the number of workers,” it said.
“For example, a private company has to prepare a bank guarantee of RM2,500 if it has 200 workers or less,” it added.
It said if the company is unable to settle the treatment bill within a stipulated period, the amount would be deducted from the bank guarantee.
The ministry was responding to a question by Fathul Huzir Ayob (PN-Gerik) on the progress of the study to review the deposit and bank guarantee procedures and the fee structure.
This review is due to the outstanding amount reaching RM40mil.
-TheStar