A shocking revelation has rocked the medical community, leaving many questioning the integrity of certain healthcare professionals. The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has issued a stern warning, emphasizing that a doctor's duty of care is not a commodity to be bought or sold.
This statement comes in response to reports of doctors leasing their Letters of Credentialing and Privileging (LCP) to aesthetic operators, raising serious concerns about the ethics and standards within the medical profession.
But here's where it gets controversial...
MMA's president, Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, highlighted not only the issue of LCP leasing but also the alarming sale of prescription medications, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, without proper medical assessments. He described these practices as a severe breach of professional ethics and a violation of the sacred duty of care owed to patients.
MMA stands firm in its support for appropriate investigations and enforcement by the relevant authorities. Dr Thirunavukarasu stressed the importance of upholding the highest standards that define the medical profession, emphasizing the need to maintain patient trust by resisting commercial pressures.
He clarified that an LCP is not a tradable document and that the duty of care remains with the holder, even when it is used by others. In other words, responsibility cannot be rented out or delegated.
And this is the part most people miss...
When a clinic operates under a doctor's name without genuine supervision or when an LCP is 'rented', the duty of care still rests with the doctor. This responsibility carries potential medico-legal consequences under existing laws and professional regulations, making it a serious matter.
Dr Thirunavukarasu also expressed concern over the misuse of potent metabolic medications as quick cosmetic fixes. He explained that these medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, were developed for specific clinical indications, including diabetes and obesity management, and should not be seen as lifestyle shortcuts.
Prescribing these medications without proper history-taking, risk assessment, and follow-up procedures exposes patients to a range of risks, from severe gastrointestinal symptoms and dehydration to more serious complications. Additionally, inappropriate demand for these medications may limit access for patients who genuinely need them for chronic disease control.
MMA reminds all doctors that every prescription and every facility operating under their name reflects their professional responsibility. Financial arrangements should never compromise clinical standards, regardless of whether it's a physical clinic, an aesthetic center, or a digital telemedicine platform.
Dr Thirunavukarasu advised the public to verify the registration status of their doctors and ensure that consultations include proper assessments and counseling. He emphasized that no injection or procedure is risk-free and that informed consent requires full disclosure of benefits, risks, and alternatives.
SAYS' recent investigations have exposed the dark side of the medical profession, revealing that some alleged practitioners are endangering lives by selling prescription drugs without proper patient screening and renting out their licenses to fuel a black market in aesthetic clinics.
This unethical behavior allows these practitioners to profit from the growing craze for slimming and beauty, raking in thousands of dollars each month.
So, what's your take on this? Is the medical profession doing enough to regulate itself, or is more stringent oversight required? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
