Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is actively exploring the implementation of digital medical certificates (e-MC) to address the rising problem of fake sick leave certificates and identity theft involving medical professionals. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced this initiative, emphasizing the need for a more secure digital platform to prevent such unethical activities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Digital Health Division of the MOH has been tasked with expediting a study to facilitate this transition. Dr Dzulkefly highlighted that medical certificates should only be issued by the attending doctor or medical officer, and any deviation from this standard represents a significant ethical breach. The move towards a digital system is seen as a crucial step in minimizing such abuses.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) MRT station, where Dr Dzulkefly also addressed a recent case involving five individuals, including a nurse in Pekan, Pahang. These individuals are under investigation for their roles in a syndicate selling fake medical certificates. The 'holiday master' website syndicate, which has been forging doctors' names and private clinics' credentials since 2016, was also discussed.
Dr Dzulkefly noted that the Malaysian Medical Council is leading the investigation into the 'holiday master' syndicate and is collaborating with law enforcement to address the misuse of professional registration numbers. The MOH is also reviewing internal data security measures to prevent potential identity theft of medical practitioners.
In addition to these efforts, Dr Dzulkefly cautioned against the reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) for self-diagnosis, particularly for severe chronic conditions like cancer and heart disease. He stressed that while AI is gaining attention in healthcare discussions, patient safety and clinical accuracy must remain the top priorities.
Dr Dzulkefly urged the public to seek professional medical advice for health issues rather than relying on AI-based self-diagnosis. He warned against the dangers of a do-it-yourself approach in medical decision-making, underscoring the importance of consulting qualified healthcare providers in both the public and private sectors.