THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) notes the increase in online activity, including the sourcing of healthcare services and medication online, due to the pandemic.
However, these services need to be properly regulated. An audit by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) on online healthcare services should be conducted to safeguard patients.
While online health consultations are an important adjunct during the pandemic, it must be accompanied by the highest and strictest standards of data privacy, medico-legal and ethical considerations.
Doctors who offer online services must be cognisant of the limits of online consultations and advise patients needing face-to-face consultations when cases warrant proper physical examinations or when communication barriers exist online.
The most comprehensive approach must be taken with every consultation so that an accurate diagnosis can be made by doctors, with the appropriate management instituted, in the best interest of the patient. Convenience must never compromise the safety and health outcomes of patients.
In addition, the sale of medicine is governed by the Poisons Act 1952 and its regulations. Any deviation from the rules and regulations of the Act may threaten a patient’s safety and is subject to the legal ambit of the Act.
In particular, the supply of medications for common chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as hypertension, diabetes, or hypercholesterolaemia must be accompanied with proper counselling, appropriate tests or examinations to ensure optimal patient health.
Reviews by medical professionals at regular intervals of three to six months are important to note the efficacy of the treatment. Medications should not be repeated without regular follow ups.
Online consultation and prescriptions must never be used as “a tool of convenience” for repeated medication supply without the appropriate medical counselling and thorough assessment of patient condition.
The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) has strict ethical codes that every registered doctor in this country must comply with. The purpose of these codes is for all doctors to maintain the highest standard of professionalism and integrity and to protect patients welfare.
MMC as the guardian of both patients and profession should take these issues seriously by guiding doctors and safeguarding patients, or it will appear to be a toothless tiger.
Commercialisation tactics in healthcare and online services must never compromise the strict ethical considerations required.
While we agree that online health services are integral to the provision of healthcare and that fact that its potential is yet to be fully realised by many, we insist that first and foremost, it must do no harm to patients and the public. – The Vibes, December 26, 2020
Datuk Prof Dr Subramaniam Muniandy is president of the Malaysian Medical Association.
