Private hospitals urge government to boost MMC and healthcare watchdog in Budget 2027

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 — The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) has called on the government to boost funding for three crucial healthcare institutions in the upcoming Budget 2027. Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh, president of APHM, expressed concern that inadequate financial support for the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and two other key bodies threatens to undermine patient confidence in the healthcare system.

The MMC, responsible for regulating medical practitioners and maintaining professional ethics, currently lacks sufficient funding, which could lead to slower disciplinary proceedings, weaker enforcement of compliance, and a reduced capacity to keep pace with the expanding healthcare sector. Additionally, the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) - which oversees hospital accreditation and quality audits - receive no direct government funding.

Dr Kuljit emphasized that the healthcare tourism sector, generating significant revenue, should reinvest in the regulatory ecosystem to maintain Malaysia's clinical reputation globally. He stressed that adequate funding for these bodies is essential to uphold patient safety, professional accountability, and public trust. The APHM stands prepared to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to secure sustainable financial support for the MMC, MHTC, and MSQH.