Are Private Hospitals in Malaysia Overcharging? Cancer Specialist in Johor Explains Whether Private Hospitals Are“Bloodsuckers” or Life-Savers

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Private Hospitals in Malaysia – “Bloodsuckers” or a Misunderstood Necessity?

As an oncologist practicing in a private hospital, I get it. I know why people call private hospitals “bloodsuckers.” The frustration over high medical bills, the feeling that healthcare is only for the rich—it’s real. But before we put that label on every private hospital, let’s take a step back and understand the bigger picture.

Why Do People Think Private Hospitals Are Expensive?

Most Malaysians feel that private healthcare is costly because we’ve gotten used to the heavily subsidized public healthcare system. In government hospitals, you can see a doctor for as little as RM1–RM5.

Did you know that Malaysia doesn’t impose medical tax? The Ministry of Health’s budget is squeezed from general government funds. That’s why our public healthcare is often praised as one of the best in the world—offering affordable medical services with minimal financial burden on patients.

The downside? Many people don’t realize the actual cost of healthcare.

Why Are Private Hospitals Called "Bloodsuckers"?

1. Pricing Shock – High Bills, High Expectations

Yes, private hospitals cost more. That’s a fact. But why? It’s not just about profit. Running a private hospital means investing in state-of-the-art medical equipment, hiring top specialists, and ensuring faster, more personalized care. These things don’t come cheap.

2. Confusion Over Medical Costs

   
   

Many patients don’t fully understand their treatment plans, medication prices, or hospital bills. When the final amount is higher than expected, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been overcharged. But in reality, these costs often reflect the strict standards required to maintain high-quality healthcare.

3. The “Profit vs. Healthcare” Dilemma

   
   

In public's eye, healthcare is supposed to be about saving lives, not making money. So when private hospitals charge fees, they’re seen as cold or greedy. But let’s be clear—private hospitals don’t exist to replace government hospitals. They provide an alternative for those who need faster and better treatment. & of course, private hospitals need to make some profit to sustain.

What Private Hospitals Actually Do

1. Saving Time = Saving Lives

In oncology, time is everything. The sooner you diagnose and treat cancer, the better the chances of survival. In government hospitals, due to long waiting lists, a patient might have to wait weeks or even months for scans or treatments. Private hospitals help patients get diagnosed and treated faster—sometimes within days. For cancer patients, that time difference is life-changing.

2. Personalized, High-Quality Care

One major advantage of private hospitals is that they offer more than just medical treatment. Patients get customized care, access to newer drugs, and a more comfortable environment. Yes, you pay more, but you also get more attention, comfort, and respect.

3. Easing the Burden on Public Hospitals

   
   

Government hospitals are overwhelmed. With limited resources, they have to prioritize the most urgent cases. Private hospitals give patients an alternative, which indirectly helps reduce the load on public healthcare—allowing those who truly can’t afford private care to get the attention they need in government hospitals.

4. Driving Medical Innovation

   
   

Many cutting-edge treatments—like immunotherapy and targeted therapies for cancer—are first introduced in private hospitals. This is because private institutions have more flexibility to adopt new medical advancements, paving the way for breakthroughs in Malaysia’s healthcare industry.

Is the "Bloodsucker" Label Fair?

Are there private hospitals that overcharge? 

Yes, and that’s a problem that needs addressing. But branding all private hospitals as “bloodsuckers” is unfair to doctors, patients, and the healthcare system.

As a cancer specialist, I believe that medical ethics matter more than the system itself. 

Whether in a government or private hospital, a doctor’s duty remains the same: to provide the best possible care for patients.

Healthcare Is About Choice, Not Exploitation

Private hospitals exist not to take advantage of people but to provide an option. Some patients need faster treatment, some want better facilities, and some prefer more personalized care. They should have that choice.

At the same time, transparency is key. Private hospitals must ensure fair pricing and honest medical practices. The goal isn’t just to provide premium healthcare—but to prove that quality treatment and ethical practices can go hand in hand.

Final Thoughts

Doctors don’t choose to “suck blood.” We choose to save lives.

Whether in a public or private hospital, a doctor’s ethics do not change. Our mission remains the same—to treat, to heal, and to save lives.

Cancer Care & Oncology Insights Brought To You By,

Dr Teo Yin Keong

Clinical Oncologist,

Johor, Malaysia

©️ TEOncology