KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 — Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad has dismissed claims that the delay in implementing the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) system was due to lobbying from private hospitals, saying the move was made to ensure proper preparation and a smooth rollout.
He explained that the initiative is a positive step towards improving the country’s healthcare financing model but requires careful planning, sufficient data and capacity building before it can be effectively implemented.
“The decision to postpone the DRG implementation was not due to any external pressure or lobbying. The reason is that for an initiative of this importance, we must proceed with careful preparation and proper management to mitigate any possible negative impacts,” he told Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a supplementary question by Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai on whether DRG was postponed amid claims that private hospitals lobbied for the delay due to its impact on their profit margins.
The minister then said there was no need to make assumptions or think negatively as the implementation of the DRG system is a positive initiative that requires careful preparation and competent execution to achieve its intended objectives.
Kuala Langat MP Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi also posed a supplementary question on what kind of payment model Rakan KKM programme would adopt.
In response, Dzulkefly explained that Rakan KKM operates on a premium economy model, offering services at discounted yet reasonable rates.
“The payment structure is based on a premium economy approach, meaning it is truly offered at a discount. How much of a discount is a technical matter that I need not elaborate on, but the charges and remuneration will be reasonable,” he said.
Dzulkefly added that the government is still reviewing the development of DRG systems in both the public and private sectors, which will eventually be integrated into a National DRG framework.
He said the ministry’s team is working rigorously to finalise the system and ensure it meets its intended objectives.
