A doctor's duty of care is non-negotiable, according to the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), addressing recent concerns about the alleged leasing of medical credentials for weight-loss medication prescriptions.
The Doctor's Dilemma: Professional Ethics vs. Financial Gain
In a statement, MMA President Datuk Dr. Thirunavukarasu Rajoo emphasized that doctors must uphold their professional responsibility, especially when it comes to prescribing potent medications.
Recent reports suggest that some doctors may be leasing their credentials to aesthetic operators, allowing for the prescription of weight-loss medications without proper supervision. Dr. Thirunavukarasu stressed that this practice, if true, is a severe breach of ethics and a violation of the doctor's duty of care to their patients.
The Letter of Credentialing and Privileging (LCP): A Key to Professional Accountability
The LCP, Dr. Thirunavukarasu explained, is a critical document tied to a doctor's competence, clinical judgment, and accountability. When a clinic operates under a doctor's name without genuine supervision or when an LCP is essentially rented out, the responsibility for patient care does not disappear. It remains with the doctor, and this non-delegable responsibility carries potential medico-legal consequences.
The Risks of Quick Cosmetic Solutions: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
Dr. Thirunavukarasu expressed concern over the inappropriate use of semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) as cosmetic quick fixes. Originally developed for diabetes and obesity management, these medications require a proper medical assessment, counseling, and follow-up. Prescribing them without such oversight could lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, dehydration, and other complications for patients.
Clinical Standards Must Prevail: A Call for Caution
Financial arrangements should never compromise clinical standards, Dr. Thirunavukarasu emphasized. This principle applies to all healthcare settings, including physical clinics, aesthetic centers, and digital or telemedicine platforms. Medicine should not become purely transactional.
He urged the public to exercise caution and advised patients to verify that their doctors are properly registered and that consultations include a full assessment and counseling. No injection or procedure is risk-free, and informed consent is crucial, requiring a full disclosure of benefits, risks, and alternatives.
MMA's Support for Investigations and Enforcement
Dr. Thirunavukarasu stated that the MMA supports investigations and enforcement by relevant authorities where breaches of professional ethics are identified.
And this is the part most people miss: the potential impact on patient care and the integrity of the medical profession. It's a controversial issue that raises questions about the balance between financial interests and patient well-being. What are your thoughts on this matter? Should doctors be held more accountable for their prescriptions, especially when it comes to potentially risky medications?
