PETALING JAYA: The recent fee hike by Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) has drawn mixed reactions, with experts and residents calling for a gradual approach to ease public adaptation.
Public health medicine specialist Prof Dr. Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh supported the increase, citing rising healthcare costs and UMMC’s reliance on advanced medical equipment. However, she noted the changes should have been implemented gradually to minimize public burden.
Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil voiced concerns over the affordability of UMMC’s services but acknowledged the hike was necessary. Fahmi pledged to raise funds for underprivileged patients, a move Dr. Sharifa lauded as a noble effort.
Petaling Jaya residents, meanwhile, expressed worries about affordability. Teacher Jacqueline Albert highlighted the impact on low-income families, while retiree John Cheah lamented the charges’ similarity to private clinics.
