KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — Blood taking or phlebotomy for health screening services is prohibited in community pharmacies, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) today.
Citing Section 2 of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), the MOH said health screening services, including blood collection, fell within the scope of health care services and could only be carried out in licensed health care facilities.
“Therefore, based on the existing legal framework, any premises carrying out blood collection activities are deemed to be providing health care services and are subject to registration and licensing requirements under Act 586,” said the MOH in a statement.
“Providing such services without valid registration or a licence under Act 586 is an offence punishable by a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to six years, or both.”
The MOH stressed that blood collection was a clinical procedure that required compliance with safety standards, as well as appropriate risk management.
“The Ministry of Health will continue to strengthen enforcement to ensure that health care services are provided in registered or licensed health care facilities in accordance with legal requirements.
“Emphasising these licensing and registration requirements is important to ensure the safety, quality, and accountability of services to the public, as well as to protect community pharmacies from legal and reputational risks.”
The Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM), which previously raised a complaint about retail blood testing in community pharmacies, welcomed the MOH’s clarification today.
“This is an important affirmation that the setting of care is integral to the standard of care,” said FPMPAM president Dr Shanmuganathan TV Ganeson in a statement.
“FPMPAM has consistently emphasised that invasive procedures must be carried out within appropriately regulated health care facilities, with proper clinical governance and accountability.
“We also take this opportunity to remind medical practitioners to ensure that any clinical services they provide are conducted within such regulated settings, in accordance with existing laws and professional standards.”
