Kuala Lumpur, September 7th
The rising costs of healthcare in the private sector are prompting wealthier Malaysians, including those like Tansulis and various VIPs, to seek treatment at Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL).
Director Dr. Datuk Dr. Harikrishna Kr Nair mentioned in an interview with Verita Harian that many affluent patients at HKL often arrive after being referred by private medical facilities, particularly when their insurance runs out or the costs become prohibitive.
He noted, “This is the reality. First, their insurance coverage will disappear. Second, treatment costs are simply too high, so they will move to HKL,” highlighting a trend that’s grown over the last decade as a reflection of both economic pressures and an increasing trust in the expertise and facilities at HKL.
Interestingly, this shift suggests that wealthy patients are beginning to place their faith in the quality of care provided by public institutions like HKL.
As reported, HKL employs 417 healthcare professionals, supported by nearly 900 medical officers and more than 3,800 nurses, managing the care of around 2 million patients annually.
Public hospitals, including HKL, are also equipped with advanced technologies, such as robot-assisted surgeries specifically in urology—one of only two facilities of its kind in Malaysia.
Dr. Harikrishna reassured that the influx of higher-income or VIP patients wouldn’t negatively impact the treatment of lower-income individuals, who remain a top priority for the facility.
“Regardless of the patient’s condition, whether they are Datuk Sei or Tan Sri, they do not receive any special privileges. Treatment is provided equally to everyone,” he stated firmly.
He elaborated that while HKL prioritizes low-income groups, it cannot entirely segregate wealthy patients, as there are various classes of wards designed to accommodate different needs.
Dr. Harikrishna also indicated many M40 and T20 patients frequently seek oncology and radiology services at HKL. He added, “If you look at other countries, even in Southeast Asia, they offer health services for RM1.”
Despite longer wait times in comparison to private facilities, he emphasized that patients leaving HKL do so with access to high-quality treatments, affordable medications, and expert care that often meets or exceeds what is available in the private sector.
