Over 90% of Malaysians delay seeking medical care, study finds
54% do not know where to go for treatment; 53% worry they cannot afford care despite insurance and subsidies
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (MNTV) – A study has found that 94% of Malaysians delayed seeking medical care in the past year, revealing significant barriers to timely treatment despite available insurance and government subsidies.
The report, titled Patient Voices Malaysia: Making Healthcare Clearer and More Connected, was conducted by Economist Impact and surveyed 1,020 respondents in Malaysia as part of a broader regional study of 4,203 patients across Asia.
Three major challenges were identified: 54% of respondents said they do not know where to go for treatment, 53% worry they cannot afford care despite insurance and subsidies, and another 53% struggle to book or manage appointments on digital platforms.
Prudential CEO for Health Arjan Toor said: “Many people delay seeking care not because help is unavailable, but because everyday responsibilities and lack of information make it hard to access care.”
Prudential Chief Health Officer Manisha Keyal added that patients often “lack the clarity and confidence to make decisions.”
The findings point to a fragmented system where patients lack a clear first point of contact, and suggest that improving guidance, simplifying access and strengthening coordination across healthcare services could help reduce delays and encourage earlier treatment.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
