Sorry, docs can’t use these words

Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Doctors at health screening centres have been told not to tell patients “sorry, you don’t have many more years to live,” based on blood test results.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek called on such centres to be professional and do a thorough check before making any conclusions on their patients’ health.
“Don’t leave patients high and dry without explaining the true state of their health. Doctors should explain so that the patient knows how his ailment is affecting him,” he said at the launch of the second Country Heights Health Screening Centre to be located at Plaza Mont Kiara yesterday.
“Not any Ali, Ah Kow or Muthu can open a health centre. This is because the health of the person is very important to the individual and his family,” Dr Chua said.
He called for screening tests and programmes to be conducted under proper medical guidance.
“All medical results should be interpreted in the light of the patient’s clinical condition and properly explained by a medical doctor. Pre- and post-test counselling should also be provided, and patients should be referred for a second opinion if necessary,” he said.
“There must also be proper treatment and follow-up that is safe, ethical, acceptable and effective.”
To regulate this sector of the health industry, Dr Chua said a Pathology Bill would be tabled in Parliament next year.
He said there was demand for screening services as the public had become more health conscious.
“Unfortunately, this has led to the proliferation and aggressive marketing of a large array of screening tests, many of which are conducted without proper medical guidance and may be unnecessary or even misused,” he said.