Medicine Price Transparency: Doctors Oppose Act 723 in Malaysia
Malaysian doctors back Medicine Price Transparency in healthcare but challenge the use of Act 723, calling for appropriate and ethical regulation.
Medicine Price Transparency: Doctors Support Transparency, Not Act 723
Medicine price transparency has become a growing concern in Malaysia. Recently, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and several other healthcare organizations declared their support for transparent medicine pricing. However, they strongly opposed the application of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723) to medical services.
The MMA clarified their position in a public statement (The Sun Daily) stating that while price clarity for patients is welcome, using a commercial law for medical regulation is inappropriate.
Medicine Price Transparency: Act 723 vs. Act 586
Originally designed to regulate profiteering in retail, Act 723 lacks the specificity required to govern a complex, ethical field like medicine. Healthcare professionals argue that Medicine Price Transparency could lead to compliance burdens without improving patient outcomes. Instead, they recommend leveraging the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), which is already tailored for medical institutions.
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Expert Views: Ethics Over Economics
Medical experts insist that treating healthcare like a business undermines its core values. The CodeBlue report highlighted concerns from eight leading doctors’ associations, arguing that Act 723 could damage trust in the system related to Medicine Price Transparency.
Instead, these groups propose a dialogue-driven approach involving policymakers, doctors, and patient advocacy groups.
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Consequences and Concerns
If implemented, Act 723 could:
- Increase administrative burden for clinics and doctors
- Confuse patients due to inconsistent pricing interpretation
- Encourage a profit-driven culture in healthcare
These outcomes would strain an already challenged system, especially in rural and small-scale clinics.
Public sentiment has been largely in favor of the doctors. Social media reactions and news outlets like Malay Mail have reported strong community backing for a more sensible and healthcare-centric solution in Medicine Price Transparency. Read more
A Better Way Forward
To strike the right balance:
- Review Act 586 and consider minor updates to include pricing transparency
- Establish a joint regulatory committee with stakeholders
- Focus on educating patients about cost expectations through Ministry of Health Malaysia
Explore More: Balancing Transparency and Ethics in Healthcare
Why It Matters
Transparent pricing is important. But not at the expense of quality care and ethical governance. Malaysia’s healthcare system must evolve with policies that respect both Medicine Price Transparency and human dignity.
As this debate continues, public awareness and engagement will be critical. Whether through forums, petitions, or partnerships, patients and practitioners alike must advocate for legislation that truly serves.
