Group demands details on national health scheme

SunNSurf:PETALING JAYA: Fearful that the proposed National Health Financing Scheme will be forced down the people's throat, a lobby group wants full details and consultation before implementation.
The Coalition Against Health Care Privatisation said until today, details like the quantum of payment and the extent of coverage are still under wraps.
Chairman of the group's steering committee, Dr Subramaniam Pillay, said the Health Ministry has not outlined the mechanics of the proposed scheme, expected to come into force next year.
Under the scheme, everyone, except civil servants, the disabled, hardcore poor and the unemployed will have to pay full fees for medical treatment at government hospitals.
Subramaniam said the proposed scheme comprises seven main components:
* National Health Fund -- to disburse payments for medical treatment provided by government and private hospitals and clinics for illnesses listed under the "Essential Health Benefit Package".
* Mandatory monthly contributions -- paid by every wage earner, except government employees, pensioners, the poor and handicapped.
* Essential health benefit packages -- illnesses covered but no details yet.
* Restructured government hospitals and clinics -- no details yet.
* Private sector healthcare -- the National Health Fund will also make payments for visits to general practitioners, but Ministry of Health has yet to decide whether payments will be on a fee-for-service or on a capitation basis.
* Private insurance for extra coverage -- those who can afford can buy additional insurance coverage for treatment of conditions not in the Essential Health Benefit Package.
* The National Health Financing Authority -- a new body set up to oversee the overall administration and evaluation of the new healthcare system.
Subramaniam said a foreign consultant has been appointed to look into details, such as the quantum, criteria and ceiling of contributions, the collection mechanism, the basic health packages and the payment mechanism for the clinics and hospitals.
He said however the identity of the person is kept a secret. "Why is this so?"
He said there needs to be transparency is this issue, as the public has to start paying for basic medical services once the scheme comes into effect. For more on the issue, log on to www.aliran.com/health/.