PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA - The public can soon seek medical treatment at private clinics and not worry too much about high costs.

This is because the Government is considering paying a portion of the bill for treatment at private clinics under a proposed healthcare reform plan which is expected to be ready next year.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the details and quantum of payment have not been worked out but the plan would ensure that the public could get quality medical service at their convenience.

"The plan is to pay a portion of the bill but there is a cap to the amount," he told reporters yesterday after a courtesy call from World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Dr Margaret Chan and Chinese deputy health minister Wang Guoqiang at his office here,

"The public will pay the remaining amount," said Liow, adding that WHO had offered their expertise and advice.

Liow said the proposed healthcare reform would also see the Government introducing the national health financing scheme.

He said the ministry was studying several models implemented in other countries such as paying medical bills through deduction from the Employees Provident Fund or a tri-parte payment scheme were medical cost would be borne by the patient, his employer and the government.