Health Ministry Reviews Allegations Foreign Patients Bypassed Deposits at HKL
PUTRAJAYA – Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has ordered an investigation into allegations that some foreign patients at Hospital Kuala Lumpur may have attempted to avoid paying required medical deposits by failing to present identification documents when seeking treatment.
The claims surfaced after a social media post by an individual who identified herself as an emergency department nurse alleged that several patients from Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar pretended not to possess passports in order to bypass deposit requirements.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry is taking the allegations seriously and has instructed the hospital’s management to look into the matter thoroughly.
He noted that whistleblower reports should be respected and carefully reviewed to ensure transparency within the public healthcare system.
“It is important that this matter is examined thoroughly because whistleblowers who raise concerns must be respected,” he said when speaking to reporters.
Clarification on the Use of Lampiran A
One of the allegations circulating online suggested that foreign patients who refused to pay the RM2,800 deposit for surgical procedures were issued a document known as “Lampiran A”, which supposedly allowed them to receive treatment without making payment.
However, Dzulkefly clarified that the form has been misunderstood.
According to him, Lampiran A is used strictly in emergency situations where immediate medical intervention is required to save a patient’s life.
In such cases, doctors are allowed to proceed with treatment without waiting for administrative procedures such as payment confirmation.
Nevertheless, the minister stressed that the form does not exempt patients from their obligation to settle medical charges.
Patients remain responsible for paying the treatment costs after the emergency situation has been stabilised.
Foreign Patient Deposit Policy
Under existing Ministry of Health regulations, foreign nationals seeking treatment at government hospitals must pay a deposit before being admitted to a ward.
The deposit currently stands at RM1,400 for general medical treatment and RM2,800 for surgical procedures.
Certain categories of patients may receive partial reductions depending on their circumstances.
For instance, individuals holding documentation issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are generally required to pay only half of the standard deposit.
In addition, foreign workers who are covered under health insurance schemes may have their treatment costs paid through insurance providers, reducing the need for upfront payments.
If patients do not have sufficient funds at the time of admission, they are typically required to contact family members or acquaintances to arrange the necessary payment.
Internal Probe Ordered
Following the allegations, the Ministry of Health has directed the management of Hospital Kuala Lumpur to conduct an internal review to determine whether any procedural violations or misunderstandings occurred.
The ministry also reaffirmed that whistleblowers will be protected to ensure that individuals can raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
Dzulkefly emphasised that maintaining public confidence in Malaysia’s healthcare system remains a top priority.
He added that any issue that could undermine trust in public hospitals must be addressed promptly and transparently to ensure that healthcare services remain fair and sustainable for all patients.
-wilayah.com.my
