Private healthcare firm fined RM50,000 for running unlicensed ambulatory care centre in Kuching

KUCHING (June 12): The Sessions Court here today fined a private healthcare company RM50,000 for operating an unlicensed ambulatory care centre in 2023.

Judge Iris Awen Jon imposed the fine after the company’s director pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 3(c) of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, punishable under Section 5(1)(b) of the same Act.

The Section provides for a fine not exceeding RM500,000 upon conviction.

According to the charge, the company had operated a private ambulatory care centre without a licence.

The offence was committed at the company’s premises located at Jalan Simpang Tiga here around 11am on April 6, 2023.

Based on the facts of the case, the Sarawak Health Department through its Private Medical Practice Control Section raided the premises on suspicion of operating an ambulatory care centre without approval from the Ministry of Health.

During the inspection, two individuals acting as representatives of the premises failed to produce any documents related to the registration or licensing of the facility when requested by enforcement officers.

Based on the testimony and evidence gathered during the inspection, it was found that the premises was operating as a private ambulatory care centre without a valid licence, offering medical treatments including enhanced external counter pulsation (EECP) therapy and intravenous drip treatment.

The raiding team also seized various medications and equipment, including a stethoscope, blood pressure set, automated external defibrillator device, EECP machine, electrocardiogram machine, oxygen cylinder, Nitroglycerin Sublingual tablets, Sodium Chloride 0.9 per cent solution, patient records, and other documents.

During the proceedings, Sarawak Health Department prosecuting officer Norzaizeli Abu Samah urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence on the company, citing public interest and potential medico-legal implications in the event of medical negligence.

She noted that the company had offered EECP treatment at its premises, administered by a general practitioner.

Norzaizeli stressed that such treatment requires – at minimum – a licensed private ambulatory care centre overseen by a cardiologist or internal medicine specialist.

The company was represented by lawyer Daniel Ling.