KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 -- The first phase of the diagnosis-related group (DRG) payment model will begin next year, initially covering minor medical cases, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad announced.

The model, which standardises hospital billing by grouping patients based on diagnosis and procedures, will be gradually expanded to more complex cases over time, according to a report published in The Star today.

"This implementation will be linked to the planned introduction of basic medical and health insurance or takaful products," Dzulkefly said at a press conference yesterday.

Patient classification under DRG will follow the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases framework.

Oversight of the imple...