KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 10 -- Malaysia's healthcare sector is facing a medical cost inflation rate that poses significant challenges for both healthcare providers and patients requiring long-term care.

According to Bank Negara Malaysia, the country recorded a 12.6 per cent medical cost inflation rate in 2023-more than double the global average of

5.6 per cent and an increase from 12 per cent in 2022.

But what does rising medical cost inflation mean for the country's public health?

Impact on private healthcare

The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) highlighted the rising inflation rate in its 2024 Factbook as a major concern for the industry.

However, APHM president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh downplayed the reported rate, estimat...