After 26 days of hospitalization, a Malaysian man named Lee was left in disbelief at the hospital bill for his wife’s brain surgery and hospitalization – which was just RM 258.
After posting his pleasant yet horrifying experience on social media, the low cost of a major medical procedure in Malaysia has become a topic of discussion, garnering praise for Malaysia’s healthcare system.
Wife’s brain bleed required brain surgery
Lee’s challenging journey began when his wife developed a severe headache last December, similar to the symptoms of the late Malaysian artist Zhuang Qunshi.
Initially treated with a painkiller at a clinic, her continuous discomfort led them to a private hospital.
A CT scan revealed a critical brain hemorrhage, needing an urgent Brain Coiling Procedure unavailable at the local hospital.
Faced with a difficult decision, Lee, desperate to relieve his wife’s suffering, initially chose to proceed with the operation at a private hospital where the cost of the surgery was estimated at RM 150,000.
However, plans changed when his wife tested positive for COVID-19 on December 17, necessitating a transfer to the central government hospital in Johor Bahru.
“According to government regulations, a patient who tests positive for COVID-19 must be sent to the central hospital for quarantine and can only proceed with the operation after testing negative.” Lee shared.
More challenges arise
Further complications arose after his wife tested negative on December 23, as the operating doctors from both the private and government hospitals were on leave.
I can only tell myself that this is God’s plan.
After another round of delays and waiting for the doctor to return, his wife was finally arranged to undergo surgery on January 7 and was allowed to leave the hospital two days later.
The surgery was successful, and the ordeal finally ended after a 26-day struggle.
A happy ending
Upon checking out, Lee received a pleasant surprise when he saw the hospital bill, which totaled only RM258.
“After a three-month stay in the hospital and surgery by the best team of doctors, our fee was only RM258!” Lee said.
“Malaysia truly has the most friendly healthcare system for its citizens. Had we opted for a private hospital, the cost could have been at least 1000 times higher.”
Lee’s experience has put a spotlight on the efficiency and affordability of public healthcare in Malaysia.
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