Klinik haram: MMA gesa penguatkuasaan lebih tegas

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged health authorities to strengthen and intensify enforcement measures against illegal and unregistered medicine (UM) outlets, in light of recent findings of such establishments. MMA President Dr L Sivanaesan emphasized that closing premises involved in these activities should not deter further enforcement actions, as operators could simply relocate and open new operations elsewhere.

He stressed that health authorities must strengthen personal inspections of suspected premises, apart from regular drug residue checks on locations previously penalized.

Enforcement efforts must also scrutinize supply chains, including how unregistered medicines are brought into the country and those who facilitate their movement. A statement from MMA highlighted the need for heightened scrutiny at entry points to Malaysia to prevent unregistered medicines from infiltrating the nation. This call came after the Ministry of Health (KKM) identified four premises in Kuala Lumpur selling and storing unregistered medicines, with two believed to operate as sham clinics.

These premises allegedly catered to foreign nationals. According to the Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Regional Health Department, the implicated premises were inconspicuously located behind textile businesses and tour agencies, as reported by The Star. However, health authorities' inspections revealed equipment for checking blood pressure and blood sugar levels, along with unregistered medicines.

Sivanaesan questioned whether sufficient consistent enforcement was being carried out to prevent such activities from resurfacing in new locations. He pointed out that the unauthorized use of medicines, antibiotics, and medical equipment by individuals not only violates regulations but also poses serious risks to patient safety and public health.

He warned that unauthorized antibiotic use could contribute to antibiotic resistance, which could ultimately threaten the broader community. This issue underscores the importance of patient safety. Medical services should be provided by registered and licensed practitioners in registered premises under the supervision of relevant authorities, using only approved medicines and medical equipment for treatment.