Poor patients who cannot afford to pay the fees charged for medical treatment received at government hospitals can apply for exemption from such payments, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday.
Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai, when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2012 at the committee stage for the Health Ministry said the application for exemption could be made to the respective hospital directors.
“The government is aware that there are complaints from patients who cannot afford to pay the fees for treatment. Actually, they can seek exemption from payment from the hospital directors.
“The hospital directors have the power to exempt poor patients from paying the fees,” he said.
Liow said the government also provided the Medical Subsidy Fund for the poor to get medical aid.
The Dewan Rakyat will sit again today.
– Bernama
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