KUCHING: Sarawak Community Policing Association Sarawak (SCPA) recently received reports from three Sarawakians who went for a short holiday at Krabi, Thailand two weeks ago.
“They have complained of high medical bills for seeking treatment for diarrhoea at Aonang Medical Centre (AMC) in Krabi, Thailand.
“They showed us their medical bills where one of them was charged 16,700 Baht or RM2,094.50, the other two were charged 8,690 Baht or RM1,090 and 9,205 Baht or RM1,154.50, respectively.
“The three spent a total of RM4,341 for seeking treatment of diarrhoea at AMC in Krabi, Thailand which is also a tourist hotspot. What is also of concern is that they complained that their passports were kept by the said clinic and the said clinic refused to return their passports unless payment was done in full. The three of them were shocked, disappointed and sad for having to pay such a high medical bill.
“SCPA upon responding to their complaints, had sent an e-mail to AMC seven days ago, seeking clarification but there was no response to the e-mail.
“SCPA did some investigating of its own and through the course of the investigation it was found that there were others who have experienced high medical bills at the said clinic. It was also found that a similar treatment in Kuching would only cost RM95.
“SCPA advises fellow Sarawakians travelling overseas especially at tourist attraction spots to opt for treatment in government clinics or government hospitals should the need arises. This is to avoid from possibly being charged with high medical bills by private medical institutions.
“SCPA had also advised the three complainants to lodge police reports so that the police can investigate,” said a statement from SCPA.
