IJN Proposes 10-40% Fee Increase for MoH Patients Amid Rising Costs*

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 — The National Heart Institute (IJN) proposes a 10 to 40 percent fee hike for Health Ministry (MoH) patients, citing inflation and increasing operational expenses. CEO Prof Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib explained that the current fee structure, unchanged since 2003, no longer reflects rising costs, including additional staff and resources.

For instance, while private hospitals charge RM110,000 to RM120,000 for bypass surgery, IJN only charges RM40,000 to RM50,000. Depending on the procedure, the proposed fee review would better align costs with current expenses.

Dr Ezani also confirmed that IJN is in talks with the MoH on improving patient discharge practices, following concerns raised by pensioners. The Health Ministry has denied claims that civil servants and pensioners are being discharged prematurely to cardiac centers, stating that patients are only discharged after their condition stabilizes.