MOH: Pharmacies Offering Unlicensed Blood Collection May Face Up to 6 Years’ Jail, RM500k Fine

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a stern warning that all pharmacy facilities offering blood collection at their premises or in the community must comply with existing legal requirements, or risk jail time of up to 6 years or a fine of up to RM500,000 or both.

In a statement, MOH stressed that blood collection is a regulated clinical procedure that requires strict safety standards and proper risk management, and clarified that under Act 586, it is classified as a healthcare service.

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MOH issues stern warning

The ministry added that facilities offering such services without proper registration or a licence are committing an offence punishable by a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to six years, or both.

It also reminded that healthcare services must comply with registration and licensing requirements under Act 586.

“MOH wishes to clarify the provision of health screening services, including blood collection (blood testing/phlebotomy), at premises or community pharmacy facilities. The Ministry acknowledges that community pharmacies play an important role in contributing to the healthcare service delivery ecosystem for the public,” it added.

MOH further stressed that healthcare services are only provided at registered or licensed facilities in line with legal requirements.

It added that this emphasis on licensing and registration is important to ensure the safety, quality, and accountability of services to the public, as well as to protect community pharmacies from legal and reputational risks.

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