KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has already initiated an investigation specifically towards the doctors and healthcare facilities highlighted in the documentary “Malaysia: Babies for Sale”, aired on November 25 by international TV network Al-Jazeera.
“Depending on the result of the investigations, actions will be taken accordingly towards the doctors and healthcare facilities,” said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam.
This might include disciplinary actions by the Malaysian Medical Council, which may lead to deregistration (struck off) of the doctor from the Medical Register under the Medical Act 1971; revoke the certificate/license of the centres, he added.
At the same time, he urged the public to help curb this activity, by being more alert and willing to come forward with the relevant information, for further action by the relevant agencies.
“The participation of the community to be hand-in-hand with the Ministry in safeguarding the patients’ safety and the quality of our healthcare system is highly appreciated to assist in putting a stop to this dissolute activity.”
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health today (Nov 27), Dr Subramaniam said that the Ministry is giving very serious attention to the numerous issues that have been highlighted in the documentary.
“Among others, this documentary raised issues related to the professionalism and the ethics of doctors involved in this unscrupulous practice, and the conduct of practice in the delivery of healthcare services in the country.”
All medical practitioners are expected at all times to observe proper standards of personal behaviour in keeping with the dignity of the profession.
“Breach of the outlined standards of the professional ethics – for example, involved in human trafficking activities – may amount to conduct that is derogatory to the reputation of the medical profession,” he said.