White Coats For Sale? Ethical Concerns in Malaysia's Medical Practice
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has issued a strong statement, emphasizing that doctors' duty of care is not for sale. This comes as a response to recent reports of doctors leasing their Letters of Credentialing and Privileging (LCP) to aesthetic operators, along with the sale of prescription medicines like Ozempic and Mounjaro without proper medical assessment.
According to Datuk Dr. Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, these practices, if proven, constitute a serious breach of professional ethics and a violation of the duty of care owed to patients. He stressed that an LCP is not a tradable document and that the duty of care remains with the doctor, even when others utilize it.
Dr. Thirunavukarasu highlighted the risks associated with prescribing potent metabolic medications as quick cosmetic solutions. He explained that Ozempic and Mounjaro were developed for specific clinical indications, such as diabetes and obesity management, under structured medical supervision. Prescribing these medications without proper history-taking, risk assessment, baseline investigations, counseling, and follow-up can expose patients to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, dehydration, and more serious complications.
The MMA president also advised the public to verify the registration of their doctors and ensure that consultations include appropriate assessment and counseling. He stated that no injection or procedure is risk-free, and informed consent requires full disclosure of benefits, risks, and alternatives.
These concerns are supported by recent investigations by SAYS, which revealed unethical practices in the medical field. Some medical practitioners are allegedly endangering lives by selling prescription drugs without proper patient screening and renting out their licenses to fuel a black market in aesthetic clinics. These practices allow practitioners to earn thousands of dollars monthly by exploiting the growing demand for slimming and beauty solutions.
The MMA's stance serves as a reminder that doctors must uphold their professional standards and remain free from commercial pressure. Financial arrangements should never compromise clinical standards, whether in physical clinics, aesthetic centers, or digital platforms. The association calls for appropriate investigation and enforcement by relevant authorities to address these breaches and protect patient well-being.
