MOH mulls medicine price display under Act 586
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is considering a proposal from the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) to implement the Medicine Price Display initiative under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586).
Its minister, Datuk Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the proposal, which is among the matters raised in a memorandum submitted by the MMA, has received the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who has advised the MOH to study and evaluate it.
'The Prime Minister has asked me to carefully review their memorandum, and I have taken this matter seriously.
'I have directed the top leadership of the MOH to look into how we can address the request fairly and consider the feasibility of placing the medicine price display requirement under Act 586, which falls under the ministry's purview,' he told a press conference after attending the 2025 National Midwives and Nurses Day celebration here today.
Dr Dzulkefly added that the MOH is committed to being responsive and welcomes constructive suggestions aimed at strengthening the country's healthcare system.
On Tuesday, the MMA urged the government to review the use of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723) in the medical sector, particularly with regard to the recent regulation requiring private clinics and pharmacies to display the prices of medicines, which came into effect earlier this month.
In its memorandum, the MMA expressed full support for transparency in drug pricing but argued that it should be implemented through Act 586.
The regulation on price display, enforced from May 1, is outlined under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drugs) Order 2025, issued under Act 723.
The scope covers all medicines for human use, including controlled medicines, over-the-counter drugs, traditional products, health supplements, and extemporaneous preparations — both prescription and non-prescription.
In a related development, Dr Dzulkefly said the MOH is finalising a review of consultation fees for private general practitioners (GPs), which is expected to be presented to the Cabinet by the end of this month.
On May 3, Dr Dzulkefly had given an assurance that the review would be concluded within a month.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
an hour ago
- Sinar Daily
Covid-19 remains a threat: Expert urges early testing, treatment and updated vaccination
Timely testing and vaccination not only benefit individuals, but also help curb the spread of the virus within families and communities, as most severe cases often begin with mild symptoms that may go unnoticed. 12 Jun 2025 06:00am Individuals who have been vaccinated are more likely to recover faster, avoid hospitalisation and reduce the risk of developing post-Covid-19 complications, including 'long Covid'. - 123RF photo KUALA LUMPUR - The public, particularly high-risk groups, are recommended to get the latest Covid-19 vaccine, which has been adapted to current variants, to ensure more effective protection. Family medicine specialist and Medical Mythbusters Malaysia vice-president Dr Megat Mohamad Amirul Amzar Megat Hashim said that, although many Malaysians have been vaccinated, earlier doses may no longer offer adequate protection against the latest circulating variant. Individuals who have been vaccinated are more likely to recover faster, avoid hospitalisation and reduce the risk of developing post-Covid-19 complications, including 'long Covid'. - 123RF photo "Therefore, it is important to get vaccinations that are tailored to the current variant. The Ministry of Health (MOH) also continues to recommend that high-risk individuals keep their vaccination status up to date, particularly those who are planning to travel, attend large gatherings, or live with elderly people or individuals with weakened immune systems,' he said in a statement, yesterday. According to the MOH, over 11,000 Covid-19 cases have been reported since January, serving as a clear reminder that the public should not become complacent, even though the figure remains below the official alert threshold. Commenting further, Dr Megat said that individuals who have been vaccinated are more likely to recover faster, avoid hospitalisation and reduce the risk of developing post-Covid-19 complications, including 'long Covid'. He also emphasised the importance of early screening, urging those who feel unwell, or experience symptoms such as sore throat, fatigue, fever, body aches, or stomach upset, which could be early indicators of Covid-19 infection, to get tested promptly. "If someone feels unwell and belongs to a high-risk group, getting tested is not only about protecting oneself, but also about safeguarding family members and the wider community,' he said. "We now have access to treatments that can prevent complications, but their effectiveness depends on early intervention. Dr Megat explained that timely testing and vaccination not only benefit individuals, but also help curb the spread of the virus within families and communities, as most severe cases often begin with mild symptoms that may go unnoticed. "This responsibility is no longer just personal, it is directly tied to our collective duty to protect our loved ones,' he said. "By getting tested early and staying up to date with vaccinations, we also help ease the burden on the national healthcare system, and shield those who are most vulnerable. He also encouraged the public to use the MySejahtera application to check their eligibility for booster doses, and to conveniently book vaccination appointments. For more information on Covid-19 symptoms, vaccinations, or to locate the nearest testing centre, the public is advised to refer to the MySejahtera app, or consult a healthcare professional. - BERNAMA
The Sun
14 hours ago
- The Sun
Covid-19 remains a threat: Expert urges early testing, treatment and updated vaccination
KUALA LUMPUR: The public, particularly high-risk groups, are recommended to get the latest Covid-19 vaccine, which has been adapted to current variants, to ensure more effective protection. Family medicine specialist and Medical Mythbusters Malaysia vice-president Dr Megat Mohamad Amirul Amzar Megat Hashim said that, although many Malaysians have been vaccinated, earlier doses may no longer offer adequate protection against the latest circulating variant. 'Therefore, it is important to get vaccinations that are tailored to the current variant. The Ministry of Health (MOH) also continues to recommend that high-risk individuals keep their vaccination status up to date, particularly those who are planning to travel, attend large gatherings, or live with elderly people or individuals with weakened immune systems,' he said in a statement, today. According to the MOH, over 11,000 Covid-19 cases have been reported since January, serving as a clear reminder that the public should not become complacent, even though the figure remains below the official alert threshold. Commenting further, Dr Megat said that individuals who have been vaccinated are more likely to recover faster, avoid hospitalisation, and reduce the risk of developing post-Covid-19 complications, including 'long Covid'. He also emphasised the importance of early screening, urging those who feel unwell, or experience symptoms such as sore throat, fatigue, fever, body aches, or stomach upset, which could be early indicators of Covid-19 infection, to get tested promptly. 'If someone feels unwell and belongs to a high-risk group, getting tested is not only about protecting oneself, but also about safeguarding family members and the wider community,' he said. 'We now have access to treatments that can prevent complications, but their effectiveness depends on early intervention. Dr Megat explained that timely testing and vaccination not only benefit individuals, but also help curb the spread of the virus within families and communities, as most severe cases often begin with mild symptoms that may go unnoticed. 'This responsibility is no longer just personal, it is directly tied to our collective duty to protect our loved ones,' he said. 'By getting tested early and staying up to date with vaccinations, we also help ease the burden on the national healthcare system, and shield those who are most vulnerable. He also encouraged the public to use the MySejahtera application to check their eligibility for booster doses, and to conveniently book vaccination appointments. For more information on Covid-19 symptoms, vaccinations, or to locate the nearest testing centre, the public is advised to refer to the MySejahtera app, or consult a healthcare professional.
The Sun
14 hours ago
- The Sun
High-risk groups urged to get updated Covid-19 vaccine
KUALA LUMPUR: The public, particularly high-risk groups, are recommended to get the latest Covid-19 vaccine, which has been adapted to current variants, to ensure more effective protection. Family medicine specialist and Medical Mythbusters Malaysia vice-president Dr Megat Mohamad Amirul Amzar Megat Hashim said that, although many Malaysians have been vaccinated, earlier doses may no longer offer adequate protection against the latest circulating variant. 'Therefore, it is important to get vaccinations that are tailored to the current variant. The Ministry of Health (MOH) also continues to recommend that high-risk individuals keep their vaccination status up to date, particularly those who are planning to travel, attend large gatherings, or live with elderly people or individuals with weakened immune systems,' he said in a statement, today. According to the MOH, over 11,000 Covid-19 cases have been reported since January, serving as a clear reminder that the public should not become complacent, even though the figure remains below the official alert threshold. Commenting further, Dr Megat said that individuals who have been vaccinated are more likely to recover faster, avoid hospitalisation, and reduce the risk of developing post-Covid-19 complications, including 'long Covid'. He also emphasised the importance of early screening, urging those who feel unwell, or experience symptoms such as sore throat, fatigue, fever, body aches, or stomach upset, which could be early indicators of Covid-19 infection, to get tested promptly. 'If someone feels unwell and belongs to a high-risk group, getting tested is not only about protecting oneself, but also about safeguarding family members and the wider community,' he said. 'We now have access to treatments that can prevent complications, but their effectiveness depends on early intervention. Dr Megat explained that timely testing and vaccination not only benefit individuals, but also help curb the spread of the virus within families and communities, as most severe cases often begin with mild symptoms that may go unnoticed. 'This responsibility is no longer just personal, it is directly tied to our collective duty to protect our loved ones,' he said. 'By getting tested early and staying up to date with vaccinations, we also help ease the burden on the national healthcare system, and shield those who are most vulnerable. He also encouraged the public to use the MySejahtera application to check their eligibility for booster doses, and to conveniently book vaccination appointments. For more information on Covid-19 symptoms, vaccinations, or to locate the nearest testing centre, the public is advised to refer to the MySejahtera app, or consult a healthcare professional.
