Nature magazine recently shared an article featuring Malaysian molecular immunologist, Audrey Teh, who is currently conducting research at St George’s Hospital, University of London. 

Photo via Nature 

Usually, Malaysians would be happy to hear that a fellow countrymen are doing well in their field, but apparently this time, Malaysians are more upset over a statement she made to the magazine. 

In Nature’s “Where I Work” section, the magazine quoted Audrey saying, “I’m from Malaysia, where we don’t have state health care, and I’ve seen families bankrupted by medical bills,” which angered Malaysians. 

Health director-general Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah has responded to the statement and said that the article had made a “gross misrepresentation of the Malaysian health system.”

He even pointed out that the country achieved universal health coverage in the 1990s and provides highly subsidised healthcare for all residents through its public hospitals and clinics.

Wrong trespassing information on Malaysian Health Care System by molecular immunologist at University College London https://t.co/dvnMKw3VS4

— Noor Hisham Abdullah (@DGHisham) November 1, 2020

DG Hisham also congratulated Teh for her research work, saying: “The country is always proud when Malaysians are involved in worthy evidence-creation.”

Both the magazine and Audrey have been getting backlash and negative responses from Malaysians, and some even showed evidence of their hospital bills to prove their point. 

My mom goes for monthly check up for free every month and gets free medicine. I think she only paid 1 ringgit occasionally. I only paid 24 ringgit when I deliver my son, I stayed 2 nights in the hospital with 4 meals daily. Here, I still kept the receipt. pic.twitter.com/ef8dYDGibW

— Syazalia Razali (@RazaliSyazalia) November 3, 2020

You're a Malaysian but know nothing about Malaysia public healthcare. For your information..Malaysia healthcare is the cheapest in the world. They provide for everyone equally. Your meds and consultation all cost RM 1 at the public healthcare. C-sec procedure less than RM 100.

— Aure Chung (@AureDulce) November 2, 2020

I am a foreigner living in Malaysia. I work in Public University, and all my family members receive free medical healthcare in government hospitals. I don't know what is she talking about. Such a disgrace. Hope to see her clarification on the issue.

— anvar (@anvar) November 2, 2020

Madam, I have a very rare disease (0.0003687%) of the world's population and I receive treatment at a government hospital. If you still remember, Malaysia DOES have state health care. In fact we pay much less (and subsidised) when compared to other countries. A reminder to you.

— شزواني محمد صبري (@madamewanie) November 2, 2020

I hope you come back to see it yourself. Or maybe you just choose not to see the bright side of MOH is offering. Berpijak di bumi sendiri.

— Sophie (@yngscientist) November 1, 2020

Like the others above me have said, Malaysia offers healthcare to all citizens at RM 5 (usd 1.2) per visit for specialist consults and treatment, RM1 (USD 0.8) for primary health care. For outpatient services, this fee includes all medications, bloods and xrays

— Mrs. Worldwide (@NanaLiew) November 2, 2020

Great research. But a lil discrepancy in the article. My uncle worked at a public hospital in Penang. They received & treated both locals and foreigners for RM1, sometimes for free. No one was discriminated. All thousands of them.

— alyzza zarin (@alyzzazarin) November 2, 2020

We do have state health care though. Congratulations on ur work nevertheless

— terrence dass 🇲🇾 #blinks🤎 (@terrencedass) November 2, 2020

The article is still on their Twitter feed since 22 October, and they have not aplogised or even responded to the comments in any way.

By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat