The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) views with deep concern the increasing trend of corporate entities and third-party administrators (TPAs) making decisions that interfere with medical judgment and patient care.
In recent weeks, we have observed a troubling pattern taking shape in the health care system – a bank issuing directives mandating the use of only generic drugs identified by their active ingredients, a doctor providing instructions on the use of local anaesthesia through non-clinical channels, and now a collaboration between an insurance company and a pharmacy group offering 24/7 telehealth services, including doctor consultations and “instant” prescriptions via a mobile application.
This is not the first of such collaborations; the MMA has been informed that a TPA is involved in facilitating these services and that similar arrangements involving some of the same entities have taken place in previous years.
Teleconsultation plays an important role in improving access and convenience for patients, especially when delivered responsibly and with proper clinical judgment. However, when it is driven primarily by commercial contracts and cost-control motives rather than patient safety, it becomes a threat rather than an innovation.
This recent announcement of 24/7 teleconsultations, instant digital prescriptions, and nationwide medication delivery under a TPA-managed scheme raises serious questions about who is ensuring clinical accountability, continuity of care, and adherence to professional standards.
MMA’s concern is not with technology itself, but with the lack of regulatory enforcement and the growing commercialisation of clinical decisions. The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) has clear ethical guidelines on telemedicine, but enforcement remains complaint-driven. Unless a patient takes the initiative to report a problem, no action is taken.
This creates an environment where doctors may unknowingly, or in some cases willingly, compromise their duty of care under corporate pressure. Some are even providing clinical directives or prescriptions through platforms that do not guarantee adequate assessment or follow-up.
Doctors must remember that the same ethical and professional responsibilities apply whether a consultation is face-to-face or online. Every diagnosis, prescription, or medical decision carries legal and moral accountability. Convenience and cost savings can never justify cutting corners in patient care.
It is equally concerning that corporate organisations and TPAs are increasingly dictating how care is delivered, from what medication should be prescribed to what procedures are “allowed.” Such interference not only undermines clinical autonomy but also exposes patients to unnecessary risks. When business decisions start replacing medical judgment, the very foundation of our health care system is at risk.
The MMA strongly urges the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) to move from a reactive to a proactive approach in strengthening health care regulation. Regulatory loopholes around teleconsultation and corporate health care arrangements must be urgently closed.
Oversight mechanisms must be strengthened to protect patients, ensure transparency, and hold both doctors and any corporate organisation involved, accountable for breaches in ethics or safety.
MMA supports innovation and digital transformation in health care, but technology must serve the patient, not profit. Value-based care means putting patient outcomes, safety, and trust first.
When patient welfare takes a back seat to commercial interests, the cost to society will be far greater than any savings claimed.
This statement was issued by MMA president Dr R. Arasu.
This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.