The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has raised concerns about the unauthorized sale of diabetes medications for weight loss, emphasizing the ethical and legal implications for doctors involved. In a statement, MMA President Dr. Thirunavukarasu Rajoo highlighted the potential breach of professional ethics when doctors lease their credentials to beauty clinics offering prescription drugs without proper medical checks. Dr. Rajoo stressed that doctors remain legally and professionally responsible for patient care, even when not physically present at the clinics. He emphasized that a Letter of Credentialing and Privileging (LCP) is a professional document tied to an individual doctor's competence and accountability, and cannot be 'rented' or traded. The association criticized the sale of potent metabolic medications as quick cosmetic solutions, noting that these drugs were developed for specific clinical indications under structured medical supervision. Dr. Rajoo warned that prescribing these medicines without proper history-taking, risk assessment, and follow-up exposes patients to preventable harm, ranging from severe gastrointestinal symptoms to more serious complications. The MMA supports investigation and enforcement actions by authorities and urges the public to exercise caution, emphasizing the importance of verifying a doctor's registration and the inclusion of appropriate assessment and counseling in consultations. This issue raises important questions about the responsibility of doctors and the ethical implications of leasing medical credentials, inviting discussion and commentary from the public.
