Health ministry busts illegal clinics, pharmacies run by foreigners in KL

The health ministry in Malaysia has recently taken action against illegal clinics and pharmacies operating in Kuala Lumpur. As part of a joint operation conducted by the Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya health department pharmacy enforcement unit, four premises were shut down today in Lebuh Pudu.

According to Shafilliza Samsuri, the head of the pharmacy enforcement branch, two of the premises were found to be functioning as illegal clinics. The facilities were reportedly run by foreign nationals who had disguised themselves as textile sellers and travel agency operators. The authorities suspect that these clinics were targeting foreigners, specifically bringing in medical staff from Bangladesh.

During the raid, it was discovered that patients were directed to a back room to undergo blood pressure and blood sugar checks before being provided with medication. The seized medicines included antibiotics, high blood pressure medication, treatments for fungal infections, local anaesthetic injections, and syringe sets. Most of these medicines were not registered in Malaysia and were believed to have been imported from Bangladesh.

Shafilliza emphasized that the seized medicines pose a significant risk to the health of patients, as they are not approved by the health ministry. The authorities are now conducting further investigations to identify the tenants of the premises and individuals who may be impersonating doctors at the illegal clinics.