Private medical firm fined RM50,000 for running unlicensed heart and IV treatment, therapy centre

By Dorcas Ting

KUCHING, June 12: A private healthcare company was fined RM50,000 by the Sessions Court here today for operating a medical facility without the required licence in 2023.

The centre had been offering Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP) treatment – a non-invasive therapy often used for patients with heart conditions – along with intravenous (IV) therapy services.

The company, represented by its director in court, pleaded guilty to the offence before Judge Iris Awen Jon. The charge was framed under Section 3(c) of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 and punished under Section 5(1)(b), which allows for fines of up to RM500,000.

The facility in question had been offering medical procedures typically associated with outpatient treatment — services that do not require patients to stay overnight — despite not being properly registered with the Ministry of Health.

According to the prosecution, the premises, located along Jalan Simpang Tiga, was raided by the Sarawak Health Department (JKNS) on April 6 last year. Acting on a tip-off, enforcement officers from the department’s Private Medical Practice Control Unit (CKAPS) conducted an inspection and found the centre operating without valid approval.

Two individuals present at the time of the raid were unable to produce any documentation to prove the facility was registered. Investigators discovered that the centre had been offering EECP and IV therapy services.

A number of medical items were seized during the operation, including an EECP machine, ECG equipment, an oxygen tank, blood pressure monitors, emergency medication, and patient records.

During court proceedings, prosecuting officer Norzaizeli Abu Samah from JKNS urged the court to impose a strong sentence, citing the potential risks to public health and legal consequences if medical procedures are carried out without proper regulation.

She also highlighted that EECP therapy should only be administered by a qualified cardiologist or internal medicine specialist at a licensed facility — not by general practitioners at unregistered clinics.

The company was represented by defence counsel Daniel Ling. – DayakDaily

Advertisement