MMA wants stronger enforcement after repeat discovery of illegal clinics

 The Malaysian Medical Association questions whether existing enforcement is sustained long enough to prevent such operations from resurfacing elsewhere.

The Malaysian Medical Association said simply closing down illegal clinics should not mark the end of enforcement measures as the culprits could reopen elsewhere.

PETALING JAYA:

The Malaysian Medical Association has called for tougher, sustained, intelligence-led enforcement by health authorities on illegal clinics and unregistered medicine after repeated discoveries within this year alone.

MMA president Dr L Sivanaesan said simply closing down illegal clinics should not mark the end of enforcement measures as the culprits could reopen elsewhere.

Sivanaesan called for coordinated inspections of suspected premises and regular follow-up inspections of locations previously found operating illegally.

“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,” he said in a statement.

This comes after the health ministry discovered four premises in Kuala Lumpur selling and storing unregistered medicines, two of which were allegedly illegal clinics.

They were believed to have been run by foreigners.

The Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya health department said the premises operated under the guise of selling textiles and running travel agencies, The Star reported.

However, inspections by the health authorities led to the discovery of blood pressure and blood sugar testing equipment and medicines that had not been approved by the ministry.

Sivanaesan questioned whether existing enforcement was sustained long enough to prevent such operations from resurfacing elsewhere.

He warned that the use of unregistered medicines, antibiotics and medical equipment by unqualified or unregistered persons poses a serious risk to patients and public health.

He also warned that the inappropriate use of antibiotics was especially concerning as it can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, which threatens the wider population.

“This is first and foremost a patient safety issue. Healthcare must be provided by qualified and registered professionals, at healthcare premises registered with the relevant authorities, with only approved medicines and medical equipment used in the treatment of patients,” he said. - FMT