Claim of doctors leasing LCP to aesthetic operators concerning, says medical association

KUCHING (March 7): The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has expressed serious concern over reports alleging that some doctors are leasing their Letter of Credentialing and Privileging (LCP) to aesthetic operators and supplying prescription medicines such as Ozempic and Mounjaro for weight loss without proper medical assessment and follow-up.

MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said if proven, such practices would constitute a serious breach of professional ethics and a violation of the duty of care owed to patients.

“An LCP is not a tradable document but a professional credential tied to a doctor’s competence, clinical judgement, and accountability.

“When a clinic operates under a doctor’s name without genuine supervision, or when an LCP is effectively ‘rented’, responsibility does not disappear.

“The duty of care remains with the doctor,” he said in a statement.

Dr Thirunavukarasu stressed that such responsibility was ‘non-delegable’ and might carry medico-legal consequences under existing laws and professional regulations.

The MMA also raised concern over the inappropriate use of potent metabolic medications as quick cosmetic solutions, noting that Ozempic and Mounjaro were developed for specific clinical indications, including diabetes and obesity management under structured medical supervision.

“These medicines are not lifestyle shortcuts.

“Prescribing such drugs without proper medical history taking, risk assessment, baseline investigations, counselling, and follow-up could expose patients to preventable harm.”

He said possible adverse effects could range from severe gastrointestinal symptoms and dehydration, to more serious complications.

“Inappropriate demand may also compromise access for patients who genuinely require these medications for chronic disease control,” he added.

According to Dr Thirunavukarasu, obesity and metabolic diseases are influenced by complex social health determinants such as diet environment, work patterns, stress, mental health, and socioeconomic factors.

“Injections alone cannot address these drivers. Sustainable health outcomes require comprehensive, supervised care – not transactional prescribing.”

Dr Thirunavukarasu reminded doctors that every prescription signed and every facility operating under their name would reflect their professional responsibility, stressing that financial arrangements must never compromise clinical standards.

“This principle applies equally to physical clinics, aesthetic centres and digital or telemedicine platforms,” he said.

Dr Thirunavukarasu also urged the public to exercise caution by verifying that their doctor is properly registered and that consultations include appropriate assessment and counselling.

“No injection or procedure is risk-free, and informed consent requires full disclosure of benefits, risks and alternatives,” he pointed out.

He said the MMA had always supported appropriate investigation and enforcement by relevant authorities where breaches had been identified, and called upon all practitioners to uphold professional standards.

“Public trust is the foundation of medical autonomy, and that trust can only be sustained when patient welfare remains above commercial pressure,” he added.