Ozone therapy is now banned, says Subra

The Ministry of Health has banned ozone therapy and directed all business premises, including clinics and beauty salons that offer the service, to stop immediately.

Its minister, Dr S Subramaniam said the assessment conducted by the Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS) found no scientific evidence to support any therapeutic benefits in using ozone therapy for any disease.

"Ozone therapy is not recognised by any country in the world. It can also cause severe medical complications and even lead to death," he told reporters in Putrajaya today. 

So far, none of the parties carrying out ozone therapy services have registered their machines with the Medical Device Authority (MDA), he said.

Hence, all manufacturers, importers and distributors of ozone therapy machines must retract the distribution or use of such machines from the market at the latest by July 1, he said.

Subramaniam said failure to do so could cause them to be prosecuted under the Medical Device Act 2012, which carries a maximum fine of RM200,000, or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both, if convicted.

"It was found that the machine is mostly assembled in the the country while the interior equipment is imported from abroad," he said.

He said that the use of heparin (blood thinning agent) for the treatment of ozone therapy is also an offence under the Poisons Act and the Sale of Drugs Act 1952 enforced by the Pharmacy Enforcement Division.

Legal action could also be taken against healthcare centres licensed or registered under the  Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, which offer ozone therapy.

Members of the public who wish to lodge complaints against premises offering ozone therapy can contact the Malaysian Medical Council at 03-2691 2171 or fax to 03-2691 2937 or email to admin.mmc@moh.gov.my.

Several popular local artistes who had promoted the therapy, saying it was capable of treating various diseases as well as slow down ageing, withdrew their support after finding out it was not recognised by the Health Ministry.

-- Bernama