PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry will review charge rates for cancer treatments at all government hospitals.
Health deputy director-general (medical) Datuk Dr S. Jeyaindran said the review will be made with full consideration of the financial burden of patients who are B40 income earners, disabled or aged.
"The charge imposed on cancer patients at government hospitals is at minimum cost and is highly subsidised. The charge is almost free compared to private hospitals with fees of RM20,000 to hundreds of thousands of ringgit, depending on the type of treatments and stage level.
"Some cancer patients who seek medical treatment at private hospitals are eventually referred to government hospitals. These people can afford to pay private hospital bills.
"Government hospitals, however, have no specific fee structure for cancer treatment," Jeyaindran told reporters after launching the Fun Walk programme at the National Cancer Institute here today.
He added that the fees will not burden patients and will be within 20 per cent of the actual cost of treatment.
"People with disabilities, low-income earners and senior citizens can refer to the ministry's welfare officer at any government hospital to get an exemption," Jeyaindran said.
Meanwhile, more than 1,300 participants from all walks of life joined the 4.8km Fun Walk.
The programme was held in conjunction with World Cancer Day.