All Healthcare Equipment Must Be Registered, Says Dr Chua

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- All healthcare equipment must be registered with the Health Ministry when the Medical Device Bill is enforced in 2007, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, Thursday.
He said the cabinet had agreed with the completed draft of the Bill which was now under the scrutiny of the Attorney-General's Chamber.
"Even though this Bill will only be enforced in 2007, voluntary registration will begin by year end," he told reporters after opening the Seventh Asian Dermatology Congress here.
Dr Chua said under the Bill which was aimed at protecting patients, a monitoring body under his ministry would be set up, mainly to ensure that all healthcare equipment were safe to use.
"The body will be responsible for the registration, enforcement and monitoring of all laser equipment and healthcare equipment including haemodialysis machines," he said, adding that the ruling was in line with those in other Asian countries.
Dr Chua said the adjustments were made in view of the fact that most Malaysian healthcare equipment were exported to countries in the Asian region, with an estimated export value of RM4.6 billion.
"The Bill will also monitor the lifespan of the equipments, starting from the factory, the consumers and its period of usability," he said.
Besides that, Dr Chua said the Cosmetic Bill, which monitors over 10,000 health care centres including beauty salons, spas and skin care centres, would also be passed to provide a more comprehensive protection to consumers.
"The Bill is being legislated and is expected to be enforced in 2007 after several issues are solved such as those concerning the definition of "health care services".
"For now, there is no control over these centres. Anyone can offer services, and claim that they have the required qualifications to provide their services," he said, adding that one would only need to obtain a licence for business premises from local authorities to start their business.