Patients upset over rising fees at Malaysia's private hospitals

Rising fees at private healthcare facilities in Malaysia are leaving patients reeling, as basic services such as temperature checks and wound dressings are being charged at a premium.

This has prompted some patients to explore more affordable options at public hospitals.

One patient, Ms Fazureena Hashim, 40, claimed that private hospitals are charging for every minor procedure, resulting in significant expenses, compared with those at government hospitals.

"Private healthcare personnel bill you for everything they do, including minor things like checking your temperature or drawing blood, which should be included in the main fee."

"I do not understand why these private hospitals charge close to RM10 (S$3) for cotton swabs and alcohol swabs."