Strengthening primary care could help contain healthcare costs by allowing patients to receive appropriate treatment earlier, reducing complications, said MMA. (Envato elements pic)PETALING JAYA : The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged insurers to rope in doctors when designing insurance plans, warning that undervalued insurance products could influence treatment decisions. MMA president Dr R Thirunavukarasu acknowledged that insurance products should be commercially sustainable but said healthcare benefits must also take clinical considerations into account. Insurance products require sound actuarial design. While Thirunavukarasu welcomed the inclusion of primary care in medical insurance coverage, he said RM50 was too low a benchmark for GP consultation and medication.