KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) -- Pathology laboratories in the country now require a doctor's or dentist's referral letter before they can conduct tests on patients.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said previously the laboratories could advertise the tests they did and merely needed the patient's agreement to carry out the tests.
"They could also demand exorbitant fees if they want to," he said during the winding-up of the debate on the Pathology Laboratories 2007 Bill at the Dewan Negara Thursday.
Answering a question from Senator Mumtaz Md Nawi who wanted to know whether confidential information on a patient's health would be erased after a certain period, he said it would.
Answering a question from Senator M. Munusamy who wanted to know whether the existing pathology laboratories would be closed, he said they would not.
"However, they would be required to upgrade their facilities within six months after the Act is enforced, to continue operating," he said.
The Bill was passed.
The Senate sitting will resume on Monday.
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