Physician urges private hospitals to be transparent on emergency care

Private hospitals are legally obligated to provide emergency care to anyone in need, according to Section 38 of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998. Dr M Murallitharan, a public health physician, is urging these institutions to be more transparent about their emergency procedures and to improve public awareness.

While most private and public hospitals have established protocols, misconceptions still exist due to a lack of transparency and awareness. Murallitharan emphasized the importance of hospitals openly communicating these procedures to maintain public confidence in the healthcare system. He cited the case of a welder who was jailed for causing his wife's alleged boyfriend's death in 2022, claiming the welder accidentally stabbed the victim and sought treatment at a private hospital, which allegedly denied care.

Murallitharan stressed that private hospitals must evaluate a patient's condition and provide immediate emergency care, including life-saving measures, and arrange for transfer to another facility if they cannot provide ongoing care. Furthermore, he highlighted that the Malaysian Medical Council guidelines stipulate that emergency and lifesaving treatment should be provided regardless of a patient's social or financial status.