MMA WELCOMES STERN ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL HEALTH CLINICS

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) commends the Health Ministry (MOH) and Immigration Department for the stern action taken on 10 premises in Kuala Lumpur that were allegedly used by foreign nationals to illegally operate health clinics.

MMA president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira, in a statement today, also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any illegal healthcare activities to the authorities without delay. 

MMA strongly advises the public to seek healthcare services only from recognised and registered healthcare facilities to ensure safety and quality of care.

“MMA is deeply concerned by reports of 10 premises in Kuala Lumpur allegedly used by foreign nationals to illegally operate health clinics over the past year.

“It is alarming to learn that these so-called ‘clinics’ were stocked with unregistered medicines and fake medical equipment, while treatments were provided by unqualified individuals,” Dr Kalwinder said.

He added that all doctors practising in Malaysia must be registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and have a valid Annual Practicing Certificate (APC).

Additionally, all clinic premises, in compliance with the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act (PHFSA) 1998, must be registered with the Health Ministry’s Medical Practice Division.

Yesterday, the media reported that the Immigration Department and the Health Ministry shut down 10 premises in the city believed to have been operating illegally as clinics run by Bangladeshis for the past year.

The authorities raided premises disguised as eateries or grocery shops at 10 locations in the city, including Jalan Tun Siew Sin, Leboh Pudu, and Jalan Silang and 10 Bangladeshi men, aged between 31 and 50, were arrested.

-- BERNAMA