A rising trend of unlicensed sonographers or ultrasonographers in Malaysia has sparked concerns among healthcare professionals. These practitioners, lacking medical qualifications, are performing complex diagnostic ultrasound procedures in various healthcare settings without the necessary credentials.
According to the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Health (MOH), only registered medical practitioners with specific training are allowed to conduct basic diagnostic ultrasound scans. For intricate procedures like detailed foetal anomaly scans, specialist training under direct supervision is mandatory.
The absence of recognized sonography or ultrasonography courses in Malaysia has led to a proliferation of unlicensed practitioners offering diagnostic services to the public. While some claim to have undergone training, their qualifications are not endorsed by MOH or any regulatory body.
In contrast to countries where sonographers are licensed and regulated, Malaysia lacks a structured framework for overseeing their practice. This loophole raises significant concerns about patient safety and the quality of diagnostic services provided by unlicensed individuals.
Despite the stringent regulations imposed on registered medical practitioners, unlicensed sonographers continue to operate in standalone sonography centers, GP clinics, and private hospitals. Their unauthorized practice poses risks to the public, with reports of missed diagnoses and erroneous medical advice.
Efforts to address this issue have been met with little response from regulatory authorities, leaving the public vulnerable to substandard healthcare practices. The lack of accountability and professional indemnity among unlicensed sonographers further compounds the risks faced by patients.
With Malaysia aspiring to become a medical tourism hub, the prevalence of unlicensed sonographers threatens to undermine the country’s healthcare reputation. Foreign confidence in private healthcare services may wane if illegal practices persist unchecked.
Dr. Kuharaj Balasubramaniam, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, has raised alarms about the unchecked proliferation of unlicensed sonographers and ultrasonographers in Malaysia. His advocacy for stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms underscores the urgent need to safeguard public health and uphold professional standards in the healthcare sector.
As the debate continues on the legality and ethics of unlicensed sonographers practicing in Malaysia, the broader implications for patient safety and healthcare quality remain at the forefront of ongoing discussions in the medical community.
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