The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) views with serious concern the latest discovery of suspected illegal clinics and the seizure of unregistered medicines and medical equipment.
What is particularly worrying is that this comes only months after similar illegal clinics were uncovered earlier this year.
The recurrence raises questions about whether enforcement is sufficiently sustained to prevent such operations from simply resurfacing elsewhere.
The use of unregistered medicines, injections, antibiotics and medical equipment by unqualified or unregistered individuals poses a serious risk to patients and public health.
The inappropriate use of antibiotics is especially concerning as it can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, which threatens the wider population.
This is first and foremost a patient safety issue. Health care must be provided by qualified and registered professionals, at premises registered with the relevant authorities, with only approved medicines and medical equipment used in the treatment of patients.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reiterated that health care services may only be provided at premises registered or licensed under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586).
MMA therefore calls for tougher, sustained and intelligence-led enforcement, including coordinated inspections of suspected premises and regular follow-up inspections of locations previously found to be operating illegally.
Closure of a premises should not be the end of enforcement if the same operators or networks are able to simply reopen elsewhere.
Enforcement must also follow the supply chain, including how unregistered medicines are brought into the country and those who knowingly facilitate their distribution.
There must also be stricter checks at the country’s entry points to prevent unregistered medicines from entering Malaysia in the first place.
Stronger action is needed not only against those operating illegal clinics, but also against the networks supplying and facilitating these unlawful activities.
The government should also address the health care access challenges faced by undocumented migrants.
Fear of coming into contact with enforcement authorities may discourage some from seeking care at registered facilities, leaving them vulnerable to illegal providers.
MMA urges the public not to compromise their health to save a small amount of money. Treatment from unqualified individuals or illegal clinics may appear cheaper, but unsafe treatment can result in serious health and financial consequences.
Always seek care from qualified and registered health care professionals at legitimate, registered premises.
This press release was issued by MMA president Dr Sivanaesan Letchumanan.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
