Public Accounts Committee investigates rising health premiums in closed sessions

Beginning 1 May, private clinics and hospitals will be required to display their prices.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will hold five more closed-door proceedings this month on rising health insurance premiums, private hospital charges, and their impact on public healthcare, reported the Bernama news agency. 

The committee aims to complete a detailed report for presentation during the June parliamentary session.

According to PAC member Sim Tze Tzin, the committee has held two public hearings and 12 closed-door sessions since February, engaging stakeholders including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). 

More stakeholders, including BNM—returning for a second session—and the Malaysian Medical Council, will be called in after the festive season.

Separately, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said that starting 1 May, private clinics and hospitals will be required to display their prices as part of a healthcare pricing transparency policy. 

This measure is intended to prevent medication charges in insurance claims from exceeding the listed prices.