MOH: Mawar has 2 months to fix licencing issues

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) – The Ministry of Health (MOH) has given Mawar Medical Centre (MMC) in Seremban two months to sort out its licensing issues after the mass resignation of its specialists – save a nephrologist – early this month.

In a statement today, Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, said the directive is dated Nov 12 and comes after the explanation provided by Mawar at a meeting with Deputy Health Minister, Dr Lee Boon Chye, on Nov 9, was scrutinised.

Dr Dzulkefly said the centre was told to cease operations and suspend services, except for haemodialysis treatment, on Nov 5.

“This was ordered following the resignation of all its specialists effective Nov 1. The nephrologist’s resignation notice is dated Dec 1, 2018,” Dr Dzulkefly said.

The specialists quit over claims that they are owed payment running into the millions.

All their notices were officially received by MOH on Nov 5, the statement said, adding that this would mean the hospital has breached its licencing requirement to ensure there is a specialist for each of its services at all times, and as a result, a violation of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586).

“The absence of specialists is detrimental to the public,” said Dr Dzulkefly.

Therefore, as outlined in a MOH letter dated Nov 5, MMC must submit a licence amendment application to change the status of the centre from a private hospital to a haemodialysis centre.

“MMC will also not be allowed to operate without a qualified expert. The ministry will take legal action if these conditions are not complied with,” Dr Dzulkefly added.

-- BERNAMA