KUCHING: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is urgently required to revise and update the current General Practitioners (GP) consultation fee schedule to ensure fair remuneration and long-term sustainability for primary care services.
President of the Soceity of Private Medical Practitioners Sarawak (SPMPS), Dr Liew Shan Fap said the current GPs consultation fee schedule, introduced in 2002 and incorporated into the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act in 2006, remains unchanged after over two decades.
“These stagnant fees threaten the sustainability of GP practices and risk compromising the quality of primary healthcare services.
“We strongly urge MOH to urgently revise and update the GP consultation fee schedule,” he said when speaking at the 50th SPMPS Golden Anniversary Dinner at a hotel here on Friday.
The private healthcare sector, he said, played a critical role in Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem.
He said private clinics and hospitals are often preferred for fast and efficient service delivery; continuity of care, with patients consulting the same doctor for ongoing health concerns; strong doctor-patient rapport, where family doctors understand not only medical histories but also the social and economic contexts of their patients.
“However, we must ensure that private healthcare remains accessible and affordable,” he said.
He added, in 2021, Malaysia’s total healthcare expenditure reached RM78.2 billion, representing 5.1 per cent of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
Of this, he said 42.1 per cent was privately funded—equivalent to RM32.9 billion—primarily through out-of-pocket cash payments, insurance, and employer contributions.
“By keeping our services accessible and affordable, we ease the burden on public healthcare facilities and contribute to a healthier, more resilient Sarawak and Malaysia,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Liew said the Sarawak Foreign Worker Medical Examination and Screening Project presents significant opportunities for private practitioners, especially GPs.
“SPMPS could establish a cooperative model (e.g. Koperasi Doctor Perubatan Sarawak) to create a sustainable, efficient business structure, optimising private doctors’ involvement,” he said.
On the medical tourism, he said it is emerging as a key economic driver in Sarawak.
“Private hospitals and clinics must position themselves as attractive healthcare destinations by offering affordable, high-quality services. Strategic partnerships, enhanced facilities, and focused promotional efforts will be essential in establishing Sarawak as a premium medical tourism hub.
“As e-invoicing becomes mandatory and AI technologies grow more sophisticated, private clinics must embrace digitalisation to enhance operational efficiency and patient care. By integrating technology and innovation, we can future-proof private healthcare services in Sarawak,” he said.
This year, the society introduced two prestigious awards—the Doctor of the Year Award and the Sarawak Healthcare Leadership Award—in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary celebrations.
These awards aim to recognise and honour outstanding doctors in Sarawak who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and contributions to healthcare.
On the society’s role, he said it also plays an active and significant role in numerous working committees and consultative meetings in collaborations with the Sarawak government, Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS), and the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Sarawak.
“Through these platforms, we contribute extensively to healthcare policy discussions, strategy development, and nation-building efforts related to healthcare.
“Our doctors have consistently supported Sarawak government healthcare initiatives, such as the Senior Citizen Health Benefits Programme, where over 200 private medical clinics, dental clinics, and private hospitals actively participate to ensure comprehensive healthcare access for senior citizens.
“In addition, we maintain a strong partnership with MMA Sarawak, collaborating closely to elevate healthcare standards in the state. This close tie between SPMPS and MMA Sarawak to the extent of sharing resources, secretariat staff, office facilities, and exco representation, fostering a united front in advancing healthcare services in Sarawak,” he said.
As the society celebrates its Golden Anniversary, Dr Liew urged the society to look ahead with renewed determination.
“The road ahead is filled with opportunities, digital transformation in healthcare delivery; better integration between public and private healthcare systems and continued advocacy for fair policies and regulations,” he said.
Over the years, SPMPS has achieved several significant milestones, among which are acquisition of a new office unit at Podium, Jalan Keretapi, which will house the offices of SPMPS, MMA Sarawak, Kenyalang Medical Foundation, the Academy of Family Physicians Malaysia (Sarawak Branch), and Koperasi Doctor Perubatan Sarawak.
The grand opening is scheduled for January 1, 2025, symbolising growth, stability, and our long-term vision for the society.
