KUALA LUMPUR: The teenager who impersonated a doctor at Sultan Idris Shah Hospital (Serdang Hospital) did not perform any medical procedures or prescribe medication to patients, the Health Ministry confirmed.

According to Kosmo, Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said that while the matter is still under investigation, no reports have been received by the ministry regarding any unauthorised medical actions by the teenager.

"The 14-year-old who posed as a doctor was indeed frequently seen roaming around the hospital, but she did not perform any medical procedures," Lukanisman said.

"However, she attempted to seek treatment at the hospital and managed to evade capture."

He added that the impersonation was uncovered when hospital staff became suspicious of the teenager's behaviour.

During a press conference following a media briefing on mental health, the MySAVE Programme, and responsible media reporting, Lukanisman provided further details.

Last week, the media reported that the teenage girl had successfully posed as a doctor for about two months without being detected by other staff. 

Lukanisman explained that the hospital's large and complex structure made it difficult for staff to monitor every person, especially given the high number of personnel.

"However, the impersonator was eventually identified after she appeared and claimed to be a medical officer. Her youthful appearance raised suspicions," he said.

"Contrary to some reports, she did not prescribe medication or administer IV cannulas. It would have been impossible for her to perform such tasks without medical training."

He also said that the impersonator claimed to be a medical officer only when trying to receive treatment in the emergency department.

Lukanisman added that measures are being implemented to improve security procedures at the hospital, including stricter enforcement of staff identification passes.

"The Director of Serdang Hospital is considering the best approaches to address this issue, as large healthcare centres and hospitals often have numerous trainees and thousands of staff members," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1092358/teen-who-posed-doctor-serdang-hospital-did-not-perform-medical