PUTRAJAYA (Bernama): A visit to the doctor at private clinics nationwide could cost you at least three times as much next year.

The general practitioners' charges of between RM10 and RM35 are to be increased to between RM35 and RM125.

The increase was agreed to at a town hall session on "Stakeholders Consultation on the Proposed Revision of General Practitioners' Charges", held at the Health Ministry here on Monday (Aug 27).

Speaking to reporters after moderating the session, deputy director-general of health (medical) Datuk Dr Azman Abu Bakar said the revision of charges was due as the last time this was done was in 2006.

"The more complex one's illness, the higher the consultation charge will be. The ceiling price for the consultation charge is RM125," he said.

Dr Azman said the town hall session was the last session before he presented the paper on the proposed revision to Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

"The Health Minister will then submit the proposed revision of general practitioners' charges to the Attorney General's Chambers and, if all goes well, it will then be presented to the Cabinet for endorsement," he added.

Dr Azman did not rule out the possibility that the new charges would be implemented at the beginning of next year.

He said the ministry had also conducted discussions with various groups on the matter.

"Today, we gathered all the stakeholders – not only the doctors who run their own clinics – but non-governmental organisations and consumer groups as well.

"This is to ensure that the revision of the general practitioners' charges is done fairly," he said. – Bernama