KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) has announced an increase in consultation, admission, and service charges, citing rising costs of medical supplies and equipment.
The new charges, which were last revised in 2019, came into effect on Jan 1.
In a statement, UMMC said the price of consultations has increased from RM5 to RM15 (general clinic), RM30 to RM80 (specialist consultations), RM15 to RM50 (follow-up specialist consultations.
Ward admissions have increased from RM120 to RM300 (single adult room).
UMMC said it bases its charges on the Activity-Based Costing method which factors in all expenses, including equipment, labour, utilities, maintenance, raw materials, and other costs.
"This approach ensures a comprehensive calculation of the services provided to patients."
UMMC said while government assistance remains its main source of funding, it was responsible for generating its own income.
"The revision of charges is not aimed at profit maximisation but rather at ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of UMMC in the long term."
In the statement, UMMC also listed the new rates for other services, including RM270 (paediatric ward admission), RM500 (emergency ward admission for adults), RM650 (emergency ward admission for children), and RM700 (delivery room admission).
Advanced payments for paediatric and ophthalmology services will now cost RM1,500 for Malaysians, while surgical and orthopaedic services will require an advance payment of RM2,500.
The advance payment for critical care wards, including ICU, CICU, NICU, and PICU, has been set at RM5,000.