PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is concerned over a lack of regulatory enforcement in the telemedicine industry as it becomes over-commercialised by corporations and third-party administrators (TPA).
The association said this comes after a series of seemingly unregulated commercial-driven changes were made by corporations and TPAs in recent weeks.
This included a doctor reportedly providing instructions on the use of local anaesthesia through non-clinical channels, and a new collaboration between an insurance company and a pharmacy group offering 24/7 telehealth services.
“The announcement raises serious questions about who will be ensuring clinical accountability, continuity of care and adherence to professional standards.
“Some are even providing clinical directives or prescriptions through platforms that do not guarantee adequate assessment or follow-up.
“The concern is not with technology itself, but with the lack of regulatory enforcement and the growing commercialisation of clinical decisions,” it said in a statement yesterday.
MMA said this highlighted a core weakness of the Malaysian Medical Council’s (MMC) ethical guidelines on telemedicine – enforcement remains complaint-driven, so unless a patient reports a problem, no action will be taken by the MMC.
It said this will create an environment where doctors may unknowingly or willingly compromise their duty of care under corporate pressure. To remedy this, it reminded all medical professionals to apply the same ethical and professional standards regardless of whether a consultation is face-to-face or online.
“Every diagnosis, prescription or medical decision carries legal and moral accountability. Convenience and cost savings can never justify cutting corners in patient care,” it added.
MMA also expressed concern over recent actions by corporate entities and TPAs that interfere with medical judgment and patient care.
It urged the government to close regulatory loopholes around teleconsultation and corporate healthcare arrangements by strengthening oversight mechanisms to protect patients, ensure transparency, and hold both doctors and corporate organisations involved accountable for breaches in ethics or safety.
Meanwhile, the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia has backed the Health Ministry’s reminder to safeguard clinical independence in private healthcare.
Its president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said that while cost containment in healthcare is complex and involves many variables, patient safety must take precedence.
