Fact Check: Medical Practitioners in Malaysia Have Been Issuing MCs via Video Calls, But Are They Valid?

The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) has responded to the practices of some Registered Medical Practitioners in the country of issuing Medical Sick Certificates (MC) through video calls.

MMC announced its decision on the matter after receiving inquiries about issuing MCs via virtual consultations.

For illustration purposes only

Issuing MCs through video calls is NOT ALLOWED

In a statement, MMC said that medical practitioners can only issue sick certificates after conducting a proper consultation with the patient. Accordingly, it announced that issuing MCs through video calls is not allowed.

Furthermore, MMC also warned that failing to follow the guidelines could lead to disciplinary action.

The statement reads,

“The Certificate should only be issued after the Registered Medical Practitioner has carried out an appropriate consultation with the patient, including history taking, physical examination and investigation where necessary.”

“The MMC has decided that issuing medical sick certificates solely following a virtual consultation (teleconsultation) is NOT ALLOWED. Failure to comply may result in the Registered Medical Practitioner facing disciplinary measures by the MMC.”

“Healthcare is becoming for influenced by commercial digital platforms”

The President of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, said the MMC’s statement comes at a time when healthcare services are becoming more influenced by corporatisation and commercial digital platforms, raising concerns about non-clinical interference in treatment decisions.

He noted that current trends show clinical decisions are increasingly being driven by non-medical administrators, insurance companies, and third-party platforms focused on cutting costs, according to Sinar Harian.

“This increases the risk of doctors simply following treatment scripts without understanding the full context or ensuring continuity of care,” he said.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments!

Also read: M’sian Shares How a Govt Clinic Doctor Accused Her of Asking For an MC Just to Skip Work