Private dialysis centres: MoH to probe claims of bureaucratic red tape

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Health Malaysia ( MOH) views seriously the claims that bureaucratic corruption exists in the issuance of licences to privately-run dialysis centres as this has become a ‘gold mine’ for officials involved in the licence approval.

Its Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said the ministry would investigate the allegation which was considered serious as if it was true, would affect dialysis services to patients in need of treatment.

“The issuance of the licence comes under MoH’s Private Medical Practice Control Section (CKAPS).

“We will investigate this matter,” he told the Dewan Rakyat sitting yesterday.

Dr Hilmi said this in response to a supplementary question from Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (Amanah-Kota Raja) who claimed it was difficult for certain dialysis centres to apply or renew their licences due to the bureaucratic attitude of officersincharge.

Siti Mariah said dialysis centre operators had also complained that the application and renewal of the licence seemed to be controlled by a particular group in cartel- style causing these operators to run their centres with expired licence.

According to the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 ( Act 586), effective May 1, 2006, all private hemodialysis centres must have a Certificate of Approval to establish or maintain the service and the licence must be obtained before the centre is allowed to operate to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare quality is according to the required standards.

Privately-run dialysis centres found to operate without a licence can be fined up to RM300,000 or six years’ jail or both upon conviction.

Meanwhile, in reply to an original question from Datuk Hasbullah Osman ( BN- Gerik) on the ministry’s efforts in providing effective dialysis services, Hilmi said MoH was working on expanding the continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) treatment which patients could do as many as three times daily at home.

“This is to cope with the increasing number of patients requiring dialysis treatment, as well as reducing the need for dialysis facility for new patients,” he said. — Bernama