Dear Malaysians, I am writing this not as a politician or union leader, but as a doctor who has been serving people for many years. What I see happening now in our healthcare system truly worries me and it should worry you too.
The Real Problem No One Talks About
The biggest problem in our private healthcare today is not the doctors or the patients BUT it’s the MCOs and TPAs. These are companies that sit in between your employer and your clinic. They decide how much a doctor can charge, what medicine you can get, and even which test you are allowed to do. They are not doctors. They don’t see patients. But somehow, they control almost everything.
They tell doctors, “You can’t give this medicine,” or “You must charge this price.”
How is that fair?
We, the doctors, studied for years to care for people and yet now we have to ask permission from a company clerk just to treat you properly.
How This Hurts You, the Patient
Many patients don’t realise this, but every time an MCO or TPA delays an approval or rejects a test, your health is the one at risk. When they force doctors to charge less than RM35 a visit, it means: Doctors can’t hire enough staff. Clinics can’t maintain quality service. Some clinics are closing down because they simply can’t survive. And when clinics close, where will you go? Public hospitals are already overloaded. Waiting time is long. This is how the system breaks down and quietly, one clinic at a time.
Government and Unions — Where Are You?
What hurts even more is seeing the Ministry of Health and some government-linked bodies acting as if nothing is wrong. Instead of protecting doctors and patients, they are shaking hands with these MCO and TPA companies, calling it “integration” and “digitalisation.” But let’s be honest ~ who really benefits? Not the rakyat. Even FOMCA and other so-called “consumer groups” are keeping silent while these companies dictate how your medical benefits are used. They are supposed to protect you, but their silence is costing your health.
Doctors Are Not Your Enemy
Please understand that your doctor is on your side. We want to give you the best care, but we are being controlled and underpaid by companies that don’t care about patients. When the system tells us what we can charge, what we can prescribe, and how we can treat you — this is not freedom.
It’s Time to Take Back Control
Malaysians’ health should never be decided by middlemen. We must change this system before it’s too late.
Here’s what must happen:
The government must regulate all MCOs and TPAs; they cannot control healthcare without accountability. Doctors should be paid fairly; at least RM50 per consultation, after 33 years without revision. Employers should deal directly with clinics; no middlemen to eat up your medical budget. The rakyat must be informed; understand who is really in control of your healthcare decisions.
A Simple Truth
A clinic is not just a business. It’s part of the community. When your neighbourhood clinic closes, it’s not just a loss for a doctor — it’s a loss for everyone. The health of Malaysians should never be for sale. Let doctors be doctors, not subcontractors of profit-hungry companies.
Doctors must be supported.
Dr. Balachandran S. Krishnan
MD, OHD, GP (Functional Medicine)
Registered Siddha Practitioner