The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has raised a strong and clear voice over the government’s decision to maintain the minimum consultation fee for general practitioners (GPs) at RM10.

That fee has remained unchanged for over three decades. This decision came even after an extensive review, conducted 17 years after the previous one, stirred concern among medical professionals who see themselves as the backbone of Malaysia’s healthcare delivery.

The association’s president, Datuk Dr R Thirunavukarasu, described the move as failing to honour the essential role played by GPs throughout the country. He highlighted that GPs serve as the first point of contact for millions of Malaysians, handling everyday health concerns, chronic disease management, and urgent medical advice. The unchanged rate, he argued, does not reflect the complexity or the importance of these contributions.

More than 10,000 clinics are now spread across Malaysia, providing care ranging from acute illnesses to preventive medicine and long-term disease management. Yet, many GPs face mounting financial pressures.

Over 60 per cent of patients receive care facilitated by third-party administrators (TPAs) and corporate plans—most of which reimburse clinics at rates below RM35. Such low payment structures, coupled with the static minimum fee, threaten the viability of small clinics. Some have resorted to price-cutting strategies to survive. Others operate on razor-thin margins. There is growing anxiety about whether the current business model is sustainable for much longer.

The MMA had proposed a revised minimum consultation rate of RM50, hoping to align fees more closely with current economic realities and operational costs.

The government, while reviewing the matter, decided instead to adjust only the ceiling—the upper end of GP consultation fees has now been set at RM80, up from RM35 previously. This provides more flexibility for clinics offering premium services but leaves the minimum rate untouched. The move aims to balance affordability for patients with an increased range of fees based on service levels.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced these changes as part of the Madani Budget—an ambitious financial plan featuring Malaysia’s highest-ever healthcare allocation: RM46.5 billion.

The MMA president acknowledged this record sum and described it as a positive step towards strengthening national healthcare infrastructure. He noted that investment was needed not only for physical upgrades but also for workforce expansion and improved collaboration between public and private sectors. Such efforts reflect priorities identified in the Health White Paper, a long-term blueprint setting out Malaysia’s health policy direction.

There was recognition, too, of the government’s decision to boost on-call allowances for doctors and specialists—a gesture welcomed by medical staff who often work long hours under difficult conditions.

Yet, questions remain about how much these allowances will increase and how they will be distributed. Medical officers await further clarification, hoping that additional compensation will make their challenging roles more sustainable.

Another highlight from the budget was the creation of 4,500 permanent positions for contract doctors. This policy addresses longstanding complaints about job insecurity in the medical profession. But Dr Thirunavukarasu cautioned that recruiting more doctors must go hand-in-hand with proper workforce planning. All sectors of healthcare need attention—nurses, allied health professionals, and support staff are also in short supply.

The government announced plans to introduce a Diagnosis Related Group (DRG)-based integration system—a method that categorises hospital cases into groups for reimbursement purposes. While this approach promises greater transparency and efficiency in resource allocation, the MMA president warned against rushing implementation. Poorly planned DRG systems can lead to unintended outcomes, affecting service delivery and potentially weakening public healthcare.

Infrastructure received a significant funding boost, earmarked for upgrading hospitals and clinics nationwide and for strengthening digital health capacity. Dr Thirunavukarasu welcomed these measures but stressed that bricks and mortar alone would not address systemic challenges. He pointed to persistent shortages of doctors, nurses, and allied health workers—a problem which, if left unresolved, could undermine the impact of new facilities.

Questions emerged about proposals to allow Employees Provident Fund (EPF) savings to be used for alternative healthcare financing. The MMA expressed caution here. The EPF exists primarily to secure retirement futures; diverting funds to pay for medical care could compromise long-term financial security for vulnerable groups. The relationship between financial wellbeing and health outcomes is closely intertwined—any policy change in this area would require careful study.

Tobacco and alcohol excise duties are set to rise, part of broader efforts to combat non-communicable diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The MMA supports these measures but goes further in its recommendations: Dr Thirunavukarasu called for an outright ban on electronic cigarettes and vape devices, citing their growing popularity among younger Malaysians and associated risks.

Throughout his press statement, Dr Thirunavukarasu emphasised MMA’s continued commitment to working with the Health Ministry, aiming to ensure that all Budget 2026 initiatives improve healthcare access, quality, and sustainability for everyone. The association remains vigilant about implementation details, advocating policies that protect both patients and providers.

Malaysia faces complex challenges in its healthcare sector—ranging from financing models to human resources shortages and evolving disease patterns. Policymakers must balance affordability with sustainability while safeguarding vulnerable groups’ interests. The MMA’s concerns highlight both progress made and areas needing urgent attention.