MMA wants stronger enforcement after repeat discovery of illegal clinics

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged for more robust enforcement measures against illegal clinics and unregistered medicine in Malaysia. The association's president, Dr L Sivanaesan, emphasized that simply closing down these illegal operations is not sufficient, as the perpetrators could reopen in different locations.

Sivanaesan proposed a more intelligent and sustained enforcement approach by health authorities, including coordinated inspections of suspected premises and regular follow-ups on previously identified illegal sites.

The MMA president also called for inspections of the supply chain, particularly focusing on how unregistered medicines enter the country and those who facilitate their distribution. Additionally, stricter controls at Malaysia's entry points are necessary to prevent the entry of unregistered medicines. The call for enhanced enforcement came after the health ministry discovered four premises in Kuala Lumpur selling and storing unregistered medicines.

Two of these premises were reportedly run by foreigners and used the guise of selling textiles and running travel agencies.

The health authorities found blood pressure and blood sugar testing equipment and medicines not approved by the ministry during their inspections. Sivanaesan raised concerns about the use of unregistered medicines, antibiotics, and medical equipment by unqualified or unregistered individuals, highlighting the significant risk this poses to patient safety and public health.

He stressed that healthcare should only be provided by qualified and registered professionals in registered healthcare facilities, using only approved medicines and medical equipment.