As pet ownership grows, the escalating cost of veterinary care has become a significant concern, with many pet owners expressing frustration over the high and varied pricing among veterinary clinics.
Unlike human medical care, which is regulated under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Order 2013, veterinary services lack any regulatory framework to control costs. This absence of regulation has led to allegations that some veterinarians impose unreasonable charges, particularly in small animal practices, which treat pets such as cats and dogs.
A representative from the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) confirmed that the department lacks the authority to regulate veterinary pricing due to the absence of relevant legislation. “Without legislation, we cannot interfere in the operations of private veterinary clinics,” he said, noting that any regulation would need to come from the Malaysian Veterinary Council (MVC), which is currently unprepared for such a role.
Dr. Saravanakumar S. Pillai, a former senior deputy director of DVS, explained that the veterinary industry is still developing, which partly explains the unregulated pricing. “It is only recently that veterinary clinics have begun offering a wide range of treatments beyond basic services like spaying, castration, and vaccination,” he said.
Dr. Saravanakumar, now with Humane Society International, noted that pets are increasingly viewed as family members, leading to a demand for more comprehensive and advanced veterinary care. This demand has driven clinics to invest in high-end diagnostic equipment and treatments for complex illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
He added that the operational costs for veterinary practices are high, including salaries, rent, and utilities. The demand for qualified veterinary graduates further exacerbates these costs, as clinics must offer competitive salaries to attract talent.
The decline in the ringgit’s value also contributes to rising costs, as many veterinary drugs must be imported. A senior veterinarian highlighted the lack of locally available or registered animal drugs, forcing clinics to source medications from Singapore. The additional costs of purchasing in Singapore dollars and transportation further inflate prices.
The Malaysian Small Animal Veterinary Association (MSAVA) has recognized the pricing disparities among clinics. President Dr. Tan Check Nam attributed the differences to varying standards of practice and equipment. MSAVA executive council member Datuk Dr. Vellayan Subramaniam mentioned that while the association has created a pricing guideline for its members, its impact is limited as not all veterinarians adhere to it.
The ongoing review of these guidelines aims to address some of these issues, but significant challenges remain in achieving uniform pricing across the industry.
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