Analyzing the direct medical cost of Schizophrenia in Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a major public health concern that places a significant economic burden on healthcare systems. This study assessed the direct medical costs of SCZ and examined cost drivers at Hospital Pulau Pinang (HPP), Malaysia. OBJECTIVE: To estimate and compare direct medical costs for SCZ patients across various healthcare services, including medications, diagnostics, hospitalizations, and outpatient care. METHODS: A retrospective, bottom-up costing analysis was conducted using medical records of all adult SCZ patients treated at HPP from 1 January 2019, to 27 April 2021. Data included demographic and clinical features, with costs categorized by service type. RESULTS: Among 120 patients (20 inpatients), 54.2% were female with a mean age of 39.5 ± 10.3 years. The mean annual inpatient cost per patient was MYR 8,483.4, with hospitalization alone contributing 62%. Outpatient costs averaged MYR 2,222 ± 2,571.9. CONCLUSIONS: SCZ treatment imposes a high financial burden, particularly due to hospitalization. These findings provide essential cost estimates to support healthcare planning and policy-making in Malaysia.