Healthcare bodies need more funding, says association

KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) has urged the government to increase funding for three critical healthcare bodies, warning that sustained underinvestment could weaken oversight and standards.

Association president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) formed the backbone of the healthcare ecosystem but faced funding pressures.

The MMC regulates medical practitioners and upholds professional standards, the MHTC drives medical tourism, while the MSQH oversees hospital accreditation, quality improvement and patient safety across public and private facilities.

The association said funding for both councils had not been sufficiently increased, while MSQH continued to operate without direct government funding.

"Without sufficient support, the ability to maintain rigorous standards, enforce governance and improve care delivery will be significantly constrained," it said.

APHM said the growing medical tourism sector — a contributor to national revenue — strengthened the case for reinvesting in regulation, accreditation and quality assurance to ensure sustainable growth.

It said it was ready to work with the Health Ministry and stakeholders to ensure the three institutions received adequate support, adding that strengthening them would reinforce Malaysia's standing as a trusted healthcare system.