The Ministry of Health (MOH) has warned medical practitioners to avoid making misleading public statements or creating misconceptions that may sour the reputation of the profession.
According to a report by BERNAMA, MOH shared that medical practitioners who do not have certain qualifications, such as not having a valid Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) or not registering as medical specialists with the National Specialist Register (NSR) for their expertise, cannot practice, provide diagnosis, and treat patients.
“Any medical practitioner found to be in breach of medical practice procedures may be subject to action under the Medical Act 1971,”
“Any violation of the provisions under Act 50 is an offence. Any medical practitioner found to have committed an offence may be suspended or have their registration as a medical practitioner revoked,” they said.
Medical practitioners who commit these offences may also face jail sentences and fines if convicted.
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MOH made the command after a private medical officer had claimed that a balloon hawker suffered a spinal cord injury and is at risk of paralysis, after the hawker had gotten into a physical altercation with DBKL officers.
Due to this, MOH felt the need to remind the public that only qualified medical practitioners can provide medical attention, diagnosis and treatment.
“Additionally, injuries involving the spine and spinal cord should be examined and treated by qualified orthopaedic and neurosurgery specialists only,” they added.
MOH ended its statement by stressing that in the private sector, valid licenses are required to establish and operate healthcare facilities, including medical clinics.
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