A concerning trend has been identified in Malaysia’s private healthcare sector, where unlicensed sonographers or ultrasonographers are performing complex diagnostic ultrasound procedures without proper qualifications or recognition from the Ministry of Health.
Diagnostic ultrasound is a specialized medical procedure that demands specific training and expertise. While registered medical practitioners can conduct basic scans, complex procedures, such as detailed foetal anomaly scans, require extensive specialist training.
Recent guidelines from the Ministry of Health emphasize the importance of rigorous training and supervision for individuals performing complex diagnostic ultrasounds. This stringent process aims to ensure patient safety and accurate diagnoses by skilled professionals.
Unlike in some countries where sonographers are licensed and regulated, Malaysia lacks a recognized framework for sonography practice. Unlicensed practitioners in Malaysia often lack formal medical or clinical training, relying on inadequate certification programs to offer diagnostic services.
Despite the risks posed by unqualified sonographers, little regulatory action has been taken to address the issue. The absence of oversight and accountability exposes patients to misdiagnoses and potential harm, underscoring the urgency for regulatory intervention.
The proliferation of unlicensed sonographers and sonography centers not only jeopardizes public safety but also tarnishes Malaysia’s reputation as a potential hub for medical tourism. Foreign visitors may lose confidence in the country’s healthcare system if such illicit practices persist unchecked.
Concerns have been raised regarding violations of various laws and regulations, including the Medical Devices Act, Allied Health Professions Act, and Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act, by unlicensed sonographers and healthcare facilities that employ them. The lack of adherence to professional standards poses legal and ethical challenges for the medical community.
Dr. Kuharaj Balasubramaniam, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, has voiced his apprehensions about the unregulated practices of sonographers, calling for stricter enforcement and accountability measures to safeguard public health.
Efforts to address this issue must include comprehensive regulatory frameworks, standardized training programs, and strict enforcement of existing laws to uphold professional standards and protect patients from potential harm.
As the debate on unlicensed sonographers unfolds, the need for stringent oversight and compliance with established medical guidelines becomes increasingly imperative to ensure the integrity and safety of healthcare services in Malaysia.
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