BATU CAVES – Two local medical officers have launched a private clinic offering a flat-rate RM39 fee structure to alleviate the healthcare burden on low-income B40 families facing prolonged wait times at public hospitals. Co-founders Dr Kamaleswaran Arumugam and Dr Kuhelan Mahendran established QTC Clinics at Plaza Umno, Batu Caves, after observing patients enduring up to six-hour delays for basic outpatient care at government facilities. The self-funded venture aims to provide an affordable alternative to traditional private general practitioner clinics, where standard consultations and medication frequently exceed RM150.
“We witnessed firsthand the immense strain on public infrastructure and the financial barriers preventing vulnerable communities from seeking private care,” Dr Kamaleswaran stated.
The enterprise faced significant early capital challenges, including loan rejections from traditional commercial banking institutions that questioned the financial viability of a flat-fee model. The founders operated without salaries during the initial months, relying heavily on community word-of-mouth to build a patient base.
The RM39 flat fee covers medical consultation, basic treatment, and essential pharmaceutical prescriptions with no secondary surcharges. While public healthcare services remain heavily subsidised between RM1 and RM5, the ongoing strain on state resources has driven demand for alternative local options.
The initiative matches broader national efforts like the Madani Medical Scheme to decentralise primary care. QTC Clinics has since expanded its operations into Klang, with the founders currently preparing to announce a third location under the digital #QTC3 campaign.
