Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that the government's launch of a basic medical and health insurance and takaful (MHIT) product is the initial phase in rolling out a diagnosis-related group (DRG) pricing system.
He said the product would expand financing options in the private sector and help guide private healthcare towards a value-based care model.
“We are also exploring a more diversified health financing ecosystem that will combine tax-based allocations, social contributions, employer-based schemes, and targeted subsidies under a progressive and equitable framework,” he said, reported Freemalaysiatoday.com
Mr Ahmad said the DRG pricing system, which sets standardised costs based on patient conditions, is expected to play a major role in driving value-based healthcare. It promotes cost control and could lead to fairer treatment for people with pre-existing conditions- especially important in an ageing population where chronic illnesses are increasingly common.
The system is expected to roll out before end of 2025.