PM orders health minister to review controversial use of Price Control Act on private GPs | Articles

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad to urgently review concerns raised by private general practitioners (GPs) regarding the application of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723).

Communications Minister and government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the matter was discussed during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, where the Prime Minister sought clarification from the Health Minister.

“The issue concerns the use of Act 723, which falls under the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN),” said Fahmi during his weekly post-Cabinet press conference.

“Some doctors have questioned why Act 723 is being applied instead of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), which they believe is more appropriate for regulating private medical practice. The Prime Minister has asked for this to be clarified quickly.”

The remarks come after over 300 GPs held a peaceful protest near the Perdana Putra building on Tuesday, calling for a review of Act 723’s implementation in the medical sector. Protesters argued that medical services should be governed entirely under Act 586, which they say better reflects the realities and responsibilities of private healthcare.

Fahmi added that the Seventh Schedule of Act 586, which governs consultation fees and clinical procedures in private practice, will also be reviewed.

“Dr Dzulkefly has informed us that a Cabinet paper on this matter has already been prepared,” he said. “It is expected to be tabled again within one or two weeks for Cabinet’s decision.”

The Seventh Schedule, which sets standard consultation fees, has not been amended since it was first gazetted in 2006. – May 7, 2025

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