The recent statements by the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh on so-called “mandatory prescriptions” in private clinics suggest that they are out of touch with existing regulations and medical practice in Malaysia.
The right of patients to choose where to obtain their medications has long been embedded in the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) Guidelines.
Under the “Duty to Dispense” provision, all registered private medical clinics with dispensing facilities are required to inform patients—via a prominently displayed notice—that they may obtain their medication either from the clinic or any pharmacy of their choice.
This framework, already in place, safeguards transparency and patient autonomy without the need for uninformed public grandstanding.
The MMC guidelines are comprehensive, balanced, and designed to ensure continuity of care. They are far more patient-centric than the superficial allegations of “profiteering” repeatedly levelled without supporting evidence.
We fully support Fomca’s role to defend consumer rights in health care, but its attention would be better directed towards the unregulated practices of third-party administrators (TPAs) and managed care organisations (MCOs).
These entities increasingly dictate the terms of patient care, restrict choice of providers, and prioritise cost-cutting over clinical outcomes—issues that are immediate threat to patients’ access to good medical care.
Instead of confusing the public by recycling misplaced rhetoric, Fomca should focus on the real dangers undermining our health care system.
Patients’ rights is already mandated in law. The public deserve informed, fact-based advocacy, not sensationalism.
This statement was issued by Dr Steven KW Chow, founding chairman of DRSFORALL/FPMPAM.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
