Quarterly
Bulletin
KDN:UKP 100-3/3 Jld.2-(29)
CONTENTS
President’s Foreword
Editorial Reflection
Mediation
Secretary’s Report
Highlights of meeting with Honourable
Minister of Health
Stop Press !
Editorial Board
Editor:
Dr. Milton Lum Siew Wah
Associate Editors:
Dr. David Quek Kwang Leng
Prof. Dr. Yunus Gul Alif Gul
Prof. Dr. Zaleha Abdullah Mahdy
Secretary of MMC:
Dr. Wan Mazlan Mohamed Woojdy
Secretariat:
Dr. Karen Sharmini a/p Sandanasamy
(Assistant Secretary)
Mr. Perumal a/l Chinaya,
(Legal Officer)
Contact Adresses
Putrajaya Division
Malaysian Medical Council
Aras 2, Blok E1, Kompleks E
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62518 Putrajaya
Telephone numbers:-
Secretary – 03-88831400
Full Registration – 03-88831403/09/17
Annual Practising Certificate (APC) – 03-88831411/13
Letter of Good Standing (LOGS) – 03-88831407
Provisional Registration – 03-88831408
Temporary Practising Certificate (TPC) – 03-88831402
Administration – 03-88831401
Recognition of Degrees – 03-88831401
Fax: - 03-88831406
Email:admin@mmc.gov.my
Web page: www.mmc.gov.my
Kuala Lumpur Division
Tingkat 3, Blok D
Jalan Cenderasari, 50580 Kuala Lumpur
Telephone:- 03-26947920
Fax:- 03-26938569
Email: admin@mmc.gov.my
Web page: www.mmc.gov.my
Safeguarding patients, guiding doctors
Bulletin MMC new.indd 1
M alaysian M edic al Council
01-2008
PRESIDENT’S
FOREWORD:
T
he Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) has issued
a set of nine guidelines on various professional
areas of concern. The profession must be seen
by the public to move rapidly to regulate itself when
issues that worry the public emerge i.e. matters that may
suggest that the profession is deviating from the high
standards it has set for itself.
An article in one of our newspapers announced that an
organisation is shifting its biotechnology manufacturing
plant from Slovakia to Malaysia. The cost incurred would
be RM280 million over 3 years. The article continued
to state that 100 cases involving stem cells have been
treated in Malaysia at a cost of RM 26,000 each onwards.
It was claimed that the therapy could cure diabetes,
hormone deficiency disorders, early menopause, male
and female infertility, immune deficiency disorders such as
AIDS, cancer and autoimmune diseases, aging diseases
including menopause, impotence and depression, cirrhosis
of the liver and chronic hepatitis as well as regeneration
of damaged cells and tissues.
This company would be sourcing the stem cells from
rabbit fetuses which would be inbred with claimed minimal
exposure to vectors of infectious disease. Recently,
there were even more outrageous claims of cure using
stem cell therapy. What should be the response of our
profession to such news items? Both the Ministry of
Health (MOH) and the MMC will not endorse the practice
of non-evidence based therapies practiced outside the
context of clinical trials.
There are in existence well defined research guidelines
that govern the conduct of clinical trials. The MOH
has made it mandatory for all its clinicians intending
to conduct research to have approved GCP training so
that they fully understand the importance of discipline
and accountability when conducting clinical trials and
that the safety of human subjects and data integrity are
paramount. Human subjects must know their rights and
be fully informed of all issues pertaining to research and all
the relevant information about the product or procedure
in question. Consent forms used in research make this
clear to the research participants. When innovative or
emerging therapies are translated into clinical practice,
7/16/08 3:14:37 PM
 Safeguarding patients, guiding doctors
such advice on risks and benefits may not be given to
patients.
It is generally unacceptable for new remedies or techniques
to be applied without ethical overview or independent
assessment. In 2001, the report of the public inquiry
into children’s heart surgery at the Bristol Royal Infirmary
1984-1995 (the Bristol Report) stated that in any case
of a new, untried invasive clinical procedure, permission
should be sought from the local research ethics
committee thereby indicating that innovative treatments
should be treated as a form of research, especially when
they involve an unknown or increased risk for the patient.
Patients must be informed of why the proposed treatment
differs from the usual measures and have an opportunity
to consider the risks involved. Patients are also entitled to
know the experience of the physician or surgeon involved
in any procedure.
Patients involved in innovative therapies need to know:
Why the therapy is proposed in their case
The evidence to support its use and the areas of
uncertainty surrounding it
Whether it has had any form of ethical review
The clinician’s experience in using the drug or
doing the procedure
The alternatives, if any
How it differs from standard treatment
The likely risks and benefits for themselves
The measures for safety monitoring and support
if things go wrong
The likely future use of the therapy, if successful
Public confidence in the profession can be eroded if
innovative therapy is perceived to be carried out in a
clandestine manner.
Malaysia has attracted a lot of investors and businessmen
to enhance or purportedly to jumpstart our biotechnology
industry. While I have no problems with that, I want to
caution our Malaysian counterparts to be critical of all
proposals put forward, lest they be taken for a ride. I always
tell the relevant authorities or agencies that the best way
to deal with the situation is to refer such proposals to the
MOH as we are the largest healthcare provider and the
main regulatory authority dealing with matters pertaining
to health and healthcare. We know how to differentiate
between glass and diamond and between a gem and a
fraud. Even some of our own doctors are indulging in the
practice of so-called new and innovative therapies that
are not backed by sound scientific evidence.
Doctors should not be too anxious to recommend new &
innovative therapies until such evidence appears in peer-
reviewed scientific journals. Otherwise research protocols
and guidelines should apply. Doctors should be cautious
and make a considered professional decision and not a
commercial one about using innovative and experimental
therapies.
The majority of our doctors abide by the Code of
Professional Conduct. Some gets too adventurous and
 Malaysian Medical Council
Bulletin MMC new.indd 2
indulge in professional misconduct. If they are found guilty,
we have to discipline them to serve as a deterrent to
others. At the same time, we take cognisance of the fact
that the public is now very knowledgeable and demanding
and expects a lot from the profession. We have to be
aware of these fact at all times in our dealings with the
public. A seemingly friendly patient whom we have known
over the years may turn out to be our greatest critique
who may report you to the MMC, simply because you
have not accorded him or her enough time.
The members of the self governing profession have a
pride in their profession that acts in the public interest,
in that standards are set high and lapses in the conduct
or performance are not taken lightly. Public members
of regulatory authorities in other countries are known
to comment that medical members are harsher in their
judgment of physicians than they are. The doctor answers
to a higher standard than that of the market place namely
the authoritative judgment of fellow physicians.
Modern medicine is extremely complex. A non-medical
person would have greater difficulty in developing the
appropriate expertise and knowledge to operate efficiently
and effectively.
Rapid changes in practice brought on by advances in
medical science may render the knowledge and skills we
acquire and practise as a young medical doctor, obsolete
and irrelevant. Throughout the developed world, countries
have moved or are moving towards instituting some form of
recertification. Nevertheless, public demands for assured
competence are both present and growing, virtually
guaranteeing a future for the processes of relicensure
and recertification. The MMC will introduce measures
for recertification of doctors and specialists in the near
future and this will include CPD (Continuing Professional
Development) activities. It is better for us to be the ones
introducing this rather than be compelled to do so by the
public in keeping with practices around the world.
Conflict is inherent in a profession in which individuals
are expected to be altruistic while as human beings, still
pursue their own interests. As long as the profession
remains in high esteem, outside observers presume
that altruism would prevail and that the patient’s needs
would be paramount. Negative events have overtaken
those relatively simple days and the situation medicine
now faces are different. Trust must be continuously
earned from a skeptical public who are very aware of the
opportunities for its abuse in a highly competitive market
orientated health care system that encourages and
rewards entrepreneurial behaviour. Doctors are exposed
to a plethora of potential and real conflicts. Not all these
conflicts originate from outside the profession. Self
referral to doctor-owned laboratories, surgery centres
or pharmacies and getting non-medical personnel to
screen patients in a centre and sending those found
positive, whatever that means, to selected specialists
and centres, can cause a conflict of interest and thus far
the profession’s attempts to regulate conflicts have met
with only limited success.
7/16/08 3:14:37 PM

The very high profile problem of unethical or incompetent
doctors can tarnish the reputation of the entire medical
profession. This small number of doctors will need to be
dealt with. While the methods must be consistent with
the principles of due process and natural justice, the
main objective must be to protect the public. Although
there certainly have been attempts to improve disciplinary
procedures, both the Institutes of Medicine Reports from
the United States have not satiated the public concern
as to whether the profession is meeting its obligation to
adhere to the highest standards.
The concept of self-regulation is strongest in the medical
profession. Self-regulation implies a voluntary and internal
regulatory mechanism within the profession, irrespective
of whether such controls are demanded by law or others
outside the profession. Self-regulatory mechanisms
must have sufficient transparency before they can gain
credibility in the public eye.
Health care is and should remain a public responsibility.
We, as doctors, should continue to develop standards
and guidelines for the profession and for society.
We must value the autonomy of our profession in
controlling major aspects of our work as we do not wish
to be dictated by a third party. But to play this game, we
must be fair and not steer away from our professional
responsibilities for monetary gains. We also must be
obsessed with enhancing our competence to ensure
COMMUNICATION &
DOCUMENTATION
Dr Milton Lum FRCOG
Madam A, a single mother, brought her only child and
daughter, B, aged six years, to a private hospital, after
B sustained a fall at the playground. There was a deep
laceration on B’s chin, measuring about five centimeters
long. Dr C, who was the Medical Officer at the Accident
and Emergency Department, carried out toilet and suture
on B. The nurses held B while Dr C sprayed ethyl chloride
on the laceration and then completed the procedure in
less than ten minutes. Madam A and B then went home.
Madam A consulted a general surgeon, Dr D, a week later,
about B’s management. Dr D opined that a peadiatrician
should have been called and the wound would have healed
better had the toilet and suture been done under general
anaesthesia.
Madam A lodged complaints with the hospital’s management
and the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), alleging
mismanagement and that Dr C carried out the procedure
without anaesthesia and without Madam A’s consent.
Madam A also claimed that Dr C ignored her protests.
Bulletin MMC new.indd 3
Safeguarding patients, guiding doctors
excellence in medical practice and professional activities.
Hard work and long hours as well as life long education
are still characteristics of the profession although perhaps
not as highly valued as previously.
Whatever the circumstances and whichever role we
may play in our dealings with ourselves, our families, our
friends, colleagues , the community and society at large,
we must not allow ethics to take a back seat, especially
as we are doctors. Those in the profession must use their
scientific reasoning, which is inherent in their training
as a doctor to distinguish between the truth and sales
gimmicks of the industry.
I believe the profession will prevail because the majority
of us are trained to behave ethically. It is the grounding
in ethics that will carry us forward past the cross-roads
on to the road ahead where we look forward to seeing
well trained doctors behaving professionally and ethically
while the medical profession is still held in high esteem by
the public. We owe this to ourselves, our profession, our
patients and the society at large.
Thank you.
TAN SRI DATUK DR. MOHD ISMAIL MERICAN,
President
During the inquiry by the Preliminary Investigation
Committee (PIC), Madam A reiterated her complaints.
However, she did not bring any witnesses or medical
reports. Dr C’s documentation was poor. No consent
form was signed. The PIC recommended an inquiry by
the MMC. The charge against Dr C was:
“That you had disregarded and neglected your professional
duties to the patient, abused your professional privileges
and skills and conducted yourself in a manner derogatory
to the reputation of the medical profession by having failed
to provide and/or neglected to provide a sufficient and/or
appropriate standard of medical care in the management
of the patient and violated the Code of Professional
Conduct as adopted by the Malaysian Medical Council in
that you had proceeded to place three stitches on the
chin of the patient without using either local or general
anaesthetic despite the protestations of the mother of
the said child patient/ without obtaining valid consent
prior for the procedure.”
Malaysian Medical Council 
7/16/08 3:14:40 PM
 Safeguarding patients, guiding doctors
The MMC concluded that no case had been made out
against Dr C and directed that the charge be dismissed.
The MMC’s Standing Orders for the Conduct of Disciplinary
Inquiries requires that the burden of proof lies with the
complainant. In other words, “He who alleges must
prove.”
Madam A did not substantiate her allegations with
supportive evidence e.g. statutory declaration, medical
report from Dr D, testimonies from witnesses. Dr C
claimed he had obtained verbal consent from Madam
A, who sat at the side of the treatment couch. It was
a matter of Madam A’s word against Dr C’s word. The
benefit of the doubt was given to Dr C.
Lessons
The MMC found that there were two main problems in
this case:
• poor communication; and
• poor documentation.
MEDIATION
Dr Milton Lum
Adverse events occur in medical practice and will continue
to occur notwithstanding whatever is done by health
care organizations and/or doctors and other healthcare
professionals. When things go wrong, some victims of
medical accidents will complain to the Medical Council;
others will resort to litigation. It has been reported in
many studies that most victims of medical accidents
want:
1. An honest explanation for what went wrong;
2. A genuine apology;
3. Reassurance that the same event will not happen
again; and
4. In some instances, compensation.
Many neutrals are of the view that the legal process
cannot provide what victims want.
Litigation incurs expenditure and takes a long time to
reach a conclusion. The process, which encourages
secrecy and entrenched positions, does not result
in an amicable, early or satisfactory resolution for
many.
Mediation, a mode of alternative dispute resolution, is
increasingly used in many jurisdictions as a way of dealing
with patient complaints about medical care which has
resulted in unsatisfactory outcomes.
Mediation is an alternative to litigation. The judge hears
the position taken by each party in court and then hands
 Malaysian Medical Council
Bulletin MMC new.indd 4
Dr C was fortunate that the complainant did not provide
evidence to support her allegations. He was reminded
to be more sensitive towards patients, particularly when
providing care to children. In particular, parents need
reassurance and an explanation of the procedure that is
to be carried out.
Dr C had not documented in the patient’s medical records
what he claimed he did. He was reminded that had the
event occurred after the enforcement of the Private
Health Care, Facilities and Services Regulations (PHFSR),
he could have faced a criminal charge, in addition. The
punishments, upon conviction, are a fine, imprisonment
or both as there was non-compliance with the statutory
requirements for written consent to be obtained prior to
any procedure(1). Council was also of the view that ethyl
chloride is not an appropriate anaesthetic in this case.
References
1. Private Health Care, Facilities and Services
Regulations (Private Hospitals and Private Health
Care Facilities) 2006 Sections 47-48
down a decision. On the other hand, a mediator listens
to both parties’ case, finds common ground and identifies
areas of dispute. He then works towards an agreed
solution. The mediator does not give an opinion on the
law or the merits of the case. There is no finding of fault
or apportioning of blame.
Mediators help in the definition and analysis of the
differences between the two parties and look at the
underlying interests and needs of both parties.
Mediation differs from litigation in two other important
aspects:
• It is voluntary
• It is without prejudice (i.e. it does not bind either
party, who are not held to what has been said or has
occurred during the process).
Mediation can take place at any time. It can be at the
outset of a complaint, or at a later stage, when litigation
is underway, but is not meeting the needs of the parties
and/or when negotiations to settle the case have broken
down.
The advantages of mediation are discussed below:
1. Speed
Litigation usually takes a long time to conclude. In
general, it takes at least five to ten years for the
conclusion of a case in the Malaysian courts. In the
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landmark case, Foo Fio Na vs Assunta Hospital and Dr
Soo Fook Mun, the Federal Court gave its judgement
in December 2006 when the incident occurred in
July 1982, a period of more than 24 years.
In countries where Pre-Action Protocols are
adhered to strictly, there is more rapid movement
of the cases in the courts. However, time is still
needed to get through investigation, proceedings,
settlement or trial. Attempts at negotiation and,
if this fails, the issuing of court proceedings and
proceeding to trial all takes time. The whole
process takes a few years to conclude. Where
there are no Pre-Action Protocols, or if there are,
no strict adherence to it, the whole process takes
an even longer time.
Mediation can provide a speedier resolution to
disputes. It permits both parties to have an earlier
mutual evaluation of the case. Even if there is no
settlement or resolution, mediation may be helpful,
if the case goes to trial, because, the parties would
have a more focused view of the issues between
them.
A sine qua non for mediation, however, is the availability
of all medical records and medical reports.
2. Confidentiality
Mediation allows parties to state their grievances
and discuss areas of concern in private rather than
in court, where it may be reported in the print and
electronic media.
3. Less stress
It is well documented that litigation is stressful to
both patients and doctors. Mediation can help avoid
this with the early settlement of complaints. It may
be healing for both parties. The claimant has his or
her say in a setting where he or she is listened to.
Many mediated cases have addressed the emotional
aspects of the complaint rather than monetary
compensation. There is greater likelihood of a
continuation of the patient-doctor relationship unlike
in litigation, where it is likely to be destroyed in most
instances.
4. Control
Mediation allows both parties to feel that they are in
control of the proceedings instead of lawyers and the
courts. There is no feeling that a third party’s view is
imposed on them. This leads to no one feeling that
they have lost out. It may also be less confrontational.
This is, however, dependent on the parties involved.
5. Flexibility
There is greater flexibility in mediation because the
remedies are more varied. Settlements in litigation
are monetary. However, mediation permits more
customized settlements which are not just monetary
e.g. explanation, apology, dissemination of lessons
from the case to other doctors.
Bulletin MMC new.indd 5
Safeguarding patients, guiding doctors
6. Cost
The cost of litigation is increasing as evidenced by
the marked increase in the premiums of medical
indemnity organizations in the past two decades.
Legal costs, rather than compensation awarded
to the injured patient, constitute an increasingly
significant proportion of the expenditure incurred.
Sometimes, the legal costs exceed the court award.
There are several factors for the lower costs of
mediation. They include the more rapid conclusion,
informality and the non-requirement for the exchange
of all the evidence.
7. Equity and ethics
The high cost of litigation has made it very difficult for
patients without means to commence proceedings.
Furthermore, there are allegations of cases
being taken on contingency basis, an unhealthy
practice which is considered unethical by the legal
fraternity.
The lower costs of mediation can make it possible
for more aggrieved patients to address their
complaints.
8. Results
It is reported that settlements result in as many as
80% of mediations. For example, court directed
resolution (CDR) is offered to all who file law suits
in Singapore. It is not mandatory as it takes place
with the consent of both parties to the lawsuit. The
implementation of CDR in its Subordinate Courts has
contributed significantly to the early and amicable
resolution of large number of lawsuits prior to trial,
including medical negligence claims. In 2006, about
7,310 cases were resolved through CDR. The
Straits Times in Singapore reported that only 11
medical negligence lawsuits were filed in 2005 in the
Subordinate Courts. All the cases were settled out
of court. It further reported that of the 79 medical
negligence suits filed in the Subordinate Courts since
1998, only two went to trial.
The disadvantages of mediation are discussed below:
1. Sub-optimal outcome
It is possible that, with mediation, the patient may be
disadvantaged by the settlement, either in monetary
or accountability terms. There may be pressure to
reach a conclusion on the mediation date, as everyone
is expected to arrive at an agreement. There may be
a feeling of failure for everyone involved if this does
not occur.
2. No changes in medical practice
It is believed by some that the increase in litigation has
lead to a corresponding increase in risk management
in medical practice and greater awareness of patients’
communication needs. It is unclear if unreported
mediated cases behind closed doors will create the
same impetus for patient safety.
Malaysian Medical Council 
7/16/08 3:14:43 PM
 Safeguarding patients, guiding doctors
3. Lower damages
It is likely that mediation will result in lower payouts
for damages in some cases because it is often the
threat of the court action that provides the impetus
for defendants into offering realistic damages.
4. Lack of control
As in any informal process, there is less control of
processes which are not controlled by the claimant
or the usual procedures of the litigation process or
the court.
5. Cost
If a case is mediated after initial investigations, then
the costs of mediation may exceed negotiation. A
negotiated settlement often occurs at this stage and
well before litigation.
6. Stress
It can be stressful for some claimants to have to
meet doctors and the mediator(s) face to face. On
the other hand, lawyers can obviate direct contact
with the other side and also act as a buffer in some
circumstances.
Highlights of Meeting Between
the Honourable Minister of Health
Y.B. Dato’ Liow Tiong Lai
and Members of the Malaysian Medical Council
on 17th April 2008 at 9.00am
at the Conference Room, Block E7, Putrajaya
The Honourable Minister of Health chaired the meeting
which was attended by the Honourable Deputy Minister
of Health, the President of the Malaysian Medical Council
and 13 Council members as well as several senior
Ministry of Health officials.
The Minister in welcoming the delegation stressed
that the Council played a pivotal role in the delivery of
healthcare services to, not only the public sector but the
whole country including the private sector. He expressed
his wishes to see that the Council continuing to shoulder
this onerous responsibility by galvanising the energy of
all registered practitioners in the country to realise the
mission and vision of the Ministry of Health to provide
quality healthcare to all Malaysians.
He propounded that it is the core business of all healthcare
providers to inculcate professionalism, teamwork and a
caring attitude into all aspects of their daily dealings with
members of the public. Insofar as the Ministry of Health
 Malaysian Medical Council
Bulletin MMC new.indd 6
Conclusion
At a time when the litigation process takes so long
and is inequitable in many respects, the advantages of
mediation far outweigh its disadvantages. Mediation
can provide benefits, both monetary and otherwise,
for victims of medical accidents. However, because
few cases in Malaysia have actually been through the
mediation process, it is not yet possible to determine its
usefulness as a means of resolving issues for victims of
medical accidents. A better understanding of mediation
will increase its uptake by claimants, doctors, medical
defence organizations and health care facilities.
In summary, one need to bear in mind Richard Lamb’s
caution “No nation in history has ever sued its way to
greatness.”
Dr Milton Lum is a practising gynaecologist and an
elected member of Council. The views expressed do
not represent that of any organization he is associated
with.
is concerned, he gave his undertaking that unequivocal
support will be provided to the Council in its endeavour to
establish itself as the prime custodian of the healthcare
services in the country.
The President in his response thanked the minister for
initialling this important meeting with the Council and
expressed the Council’s undivided support in all of MOH’s
efforts in improving the healthcare delivery system of the
country.
He went on to outline some of the achievements of the
Council over the last few years namely:-
1. The amendments to the Medical Act 1971 which is
ready to be presented to the MOH
2. The approval by the Cabinet for the independent
statutory body for the Council and efforts are underway
to realise this milestone in the near future.
3. The complete computerisation of the administration
7/16/08 3:14:43 PM

and function of the Council and very soon online
registration and payment will be introduced.
4. The launching of a comprehensive webpage in August
last year; and
5. The endorsement and launching of a further set of 9
ethical guidelines for the consumption of practitioners
as well as the public during the webpage launching.
Following this a power point presentation of the function
and the current affairs of the Council was presented by
Dato’ Dr. Abdul Hamid Kadir, a member of the Council on
the following headings:
a) Functions of MMC
b) Amendments to the Medical Act 1971 and the
Medical Regulations 1974;
c) Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998
and its Hospital as well as Clinic Regulations 2006;
d) Continuous Professional Development (CPD);
e) Independent statutory body status of the MMC;
f) Traditional and Complementary Medicine
g) Committees of the MMC
h) MMC Publications
i) MMC homepage
Finally a dialogue session was held between the Honourable
Minister and Council members where the following issues
were discussed:
i) Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act
1999 and its Regulations
The minister, taking cognisance of the reservation
expressed on various short comings in the said
Regulations, proclaimed his sincere intention to give
serious consideration to proposals to be forwarded at
a meeting of all stakeholders which is to be organised
by the Medical Practice Division, Ministry of Health
soon to amend the Regulations to make it more user
friendly.
ii) Amendments to the Medical Act 1971 and
Medical Regulation 1974.
The Minister gave his undertaking to give priority for
the submission of the amendments in Parliament this
year.
iii) Independent statutory body status of the MMC
The Minister directed all parties involved to expedite
the process so that the Council can function
independent of MOH as well as sanctioned the
allocation of the whole of Block B at MOH office
complex in Jalan Cenderasari, Kuala Lumpur to the
Council for its activities.
Bulletin MMC new.indd 7
Safeguarding patients, guiding doctors
iv) Disposal of Complaints by the MMC
It was emphasised that issues related to negligence
does not come under the jurisdiction of the Council
and many complainants are disgruntled over the
outcome. It was proposed to look into the possibility
of setting up a mediation/arbitration team to
overcome the deadlock being faced by the Council
over issues that do not fall squarely under the Code
of Professional Conduct. The Minister expressed his
support for this proposal.
v) Traditional Complimentary Medicine (TCM)
The Minister agreed that a clear demarcation be
indentified between the practice of a registered
medical practitioner and TCM practitioner in the
areas of treatment, usage of drugs and equipments,
taking into consideration all the legislations involved.
vi) Advertisement by Registered Medical Practitioner
There was agreement that there must be more
liberalisation of advertisement in consonance with
the “health tourism” policy of the country.
vii) Practice of aesthetic medicine by Registered
Medical Practitioners
Only Registered Medical Practitioner who possess the
prerequisite training and qualification be allowed to be
involved in aesthetic medicine to protect the general
public and guidelines related to this issue be given
ample publicity and be displayed in the webpage.
viii) Emergency Services to be provided by Registered
Medical Practitioners
The Minister proposed that MOH establishes proper
guideline for emergency services to be provided by a
Registered Medical Practitioner or a facility depending
on the type of practice conducted by him or services
provided by the facility.
ix) Introduction of Provision of the Private
Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 Into
Government Facilities
The Honourable Minister was in total concurrence
with the views of the Council members that the
provisions of the Private Healthcare Facilities and
Services Act be extended to government facilities
as well so that the healthcare needs of the general
public who cannot afford private care be provided
for in the same manner as those provided for in the
private sector.
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 Safeguarding patients, guiding doctors
x) Credit transfer for Graduate from unrecognised contributions and will ensure that all decisions made will
universities to recognised universities be successfully realized.

The Minister welcomed the noble intention of MMC Thank you.

to allow graduates from unrecognised universities to
pursue their course in recognised universities on a Jointly prepared by:
credit transfer but at the same time stressed that Dr. Wan Mazlan Mohamed Woojdy,
there must be no compromise on the quality of the Secretary for the Council.
medical education to be provided.
and
Finally, on behalf of the Council, the President appreciated Mr. Perumal a/l Chinaya,
and thanked the Minister and all members for their Legal Officer for the Council.

STOP PRESS!!!

RE:
CESSATION OF REGISTRATION
UNDER SECTION 24 OF THE
MEDICAL ACT 1971
The public is hereby informed that the Malaysian Medical Council had ordered the
registration of the name of Mr. Shuib bin Hussain, (NRIC 510610-02-5599/3585996,
Full Registration No. 23116 dated 30/10/1979) address at Poliklinik & Surgeri
Titiwangsa, Dr. Shuib dan Rakan-Rakan, 79-1A, Jalan Raja Abdullah, 50300 Kuala
Lumpur be ceased to be registered from 9 January 2007 till further notice.

However, information has been received by the Council that the said practitioner
is continuing to practice and is signing certificates or documents required by any
written law which is against the Medical Act 1971.

Please take note that the Council will not be responsible for any untoward incidences
that may arise out of the malpractice of this practitioner.

The public is hereby requested to provide the Council with any information regarding
the conduct of practice by Mr. Shuib bin Hussain for our further action.

 Malaysian Medical Council

Bulletin MMC new.indd 8 7/16/08 3:14:48 PM