Kuala lumpur: Ethical digitalisation and firm governance are crucial in Malaysia's healthcare transformation to ensure that rapid technological adoption does not compromise patient safety and medical autonomy, according to Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Medical Council's (MMC) decision to prohibit the issuance of medical sick certificates (MC) following teleconsultations is seen as a necessary enforcement measure. This decision serves as a reminder to all Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) that their duty of care remains personal, non-transferable, and should not be compromised by commercial pressures from employers, insurers, or digital health platforms.
Dr Thirunavukarasu highlighted a 'disturbing trend' emerging from the rapid expansion of corporatised telehealth services, where clinical decisions are increasingly influenced by non-medical administrators who prioritize cost containment over patient welfare. He emphasized that professional accountability remains with the doctor, irrespective of employment conditions, and the patient-doctor relationship, along with its duty of care, is sacred and legally enforceable.
The MMC has recently mandated that MCs cannot be issued solely based on virtual consultations, and non-compliance could lead to disciplinary actions against RMPs. Dr Thirunavukarasu reminded practitioners of Section 29 of the Medical Act 1971, which grants the MMC full authority to take disciplinary action for 'infamous conduct in a professional respect,' including removal from the medical register, suspension, fines, or formal censure.
Dr Muhamad Zaid Muuti, a Medical Lecturer from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), supported the policy, stating that physical examination is a mandatory requirement under the MMC's guidelines. He noted that patients unable to visit clinics or hospitals physically could opt for house call services, allowing healthcare professionals to visit patients at home.
Dr Muhamad Zaid also clarified that the policy does not hinder patients living far from obtaining treatment, as teleconsultations remain available for advice, early treatment, follow-ups, and certain prescriptions. He emphasized that an MC should only be issued after an adequate physical examination to ensure validity and accountability in clinical assessments.
Furthermore, Dr Muhamad Zaid pointed out that most clinics and hospitals are equipped with basic facilities like ICT, video calls, and electronic medical records that facilitate smooth teleconsultations. He reiterated that the policy only restricts the issuance of MCs, not the overall use of teleconsultation, which continues to be a vital component of modern healthcare services.