Implementation of medicine price display not meant to burden private doctors
In a statement today, the ministry said the law, which requires clear labelling of medicine prices at private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies, is part of efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system.
The clarification came after more than 300 general practitioners (GPs), dressed in black, staged a peaceful protest near the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya.
The two-hour demonstration culminated in the submission of a memorandum opposing the enforcement of the Act on the medical profession, which was received by the Prime Minister's senior private secretary, Aznur Hafeez Kaswuri.
Among other demands, the GP community is calling for the Act to be reviewed, proposing that the regulation of medical practice remain under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, which they argue already provides sufficient oversight.
"MOH remains committed to an open and inclusive approach.
"Engagement sessions with all stakeholders have been held and will continue, to ensure balanced implementation that does not unduly burden any party," the ministry said.
Representatives from several professional bodies took part in the protest, including the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia, the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations Malaysia and the Malaysian Private Dental Practitioners Association.
The ministry said it is open to reviewing the contents of the memorandum and considering improvements to current policies based on evidence and data, but stressed that public access to affordable medicines remains a key priority.
The price labelling initiative, enforced under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drug) Order 2025, came into effect on May 1 in a joint effort by the Health Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
4 hours ago
- Daily Express
RM1.05 mil approved for Sandakan Hospital upgrades
Published on: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Published on: Tue, Aug 12, 2025 By: Mardinah Jikur Text Size: Dzulkefly (fourth right) with Sandakan MP Vivian Wong (fourth left) and HDOK staffers pose for a group photo. - Mardinah Jikur/Daily Express Malaysia SANDAKAN: The Health Ministry has approved RM1.055 million for minor works and upgrades at the Duchess of Kent Hospital (HDOK), here, covering needs for its operating theatre, as well as medical and non-medical assets. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the urgent allocation includes adding chairs in waiting areas, replacing mattresses and pillows, and upgrading the operating theatre. Advertisement He also announced plans to build a new block with 594 beds, and to upgrade local health clinics to help ease congestion at HDOK. During his working visit, Dzulkefly inspected wards in the hospital's old building, which dates back to 1952, and visited the Karamunting Rural Clinic and Kinabatangan Hospital. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Full enforcement of medicine price display policy from Jan 1
KUALA LUMPUR: Full enforcement of the medicine price display policy in private healthcare centres and community pharmacy facilities will begin on Jan 1 next year, the Dewan Rakyat heard today. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the move follows an enforcement education period of three months ending on July 31 for the premise management to adapt to the policy where no penalty and compounds will be issued. "This is then continued with the phased administrative enforcement period Aug 1, during which inspections and continuous monitoring will be conducted until Dec 31. "During this period, reminder letters will be issued to non-compliant facilities, while compounds for repeated offences will be imposed from October 1," he said. A full enforcement will be made next year, Lukanisman said in response to the question posed by Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat) on the status of the prudent implementation phase of the medicine price display at private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies, as well as its effectiveness in controlling healthcare service charges from unreasonable hidden costs. Lukanisman added that initial assessment of the policy's implementation showed that, as of July 31, 55 per cent, or 900 out of 1,639 private healthcare facilities inspected, had satisfactorily complied with the requirements. "However, 45 per cent, or 739 facilities, had yet to meet the expected compliance level, including having incomplete price displays or displays that were not easily accessible to patients. "These findings indicate the need for further action, such as strengthening monitoring, conducting additional guidance sessions, and phased enforcement against non-compliant premises," he said. He said the Health Ministry will also conduct a study under the Medicine Prices Monitoring Study beginning September 2025 to evaluate the impact of the policy, with its findings serving as a key reference for policy improvements, particularly in pricing and transparency. The aim, he said, is to create a more transparent, fair, and consumer-friendly private healthcare system. The mandatory price labelling for medicines at private healthcare centres and community pharmacy facilities was rolled out on May 1. It was aimed to ensure the public can make informed choices by knowing, comparing, and selecting the best prices when managing their medication expenses.
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Compliance of drug price display rule at 55%, Dewan Rakyat told
KUALA LUMPUR: Checks during the first three months of enforcing drug price transparency showed that 55% of 1,639 private healthcare facilities nationwide complied satisfactorily, says Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni. The remaining 45% had incomplete or inaccessible price displays, he added. ALSO READ: Drug price display order gazetted, to come into effect May 1 "These findings indicate the need for continued monitoring, guidance sessions and phased enforcement for non-compliant premises," he said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Aug 12). To ensure greater transparency and fairness in private healthcare pharmacy services, Lukanisman said the Health Ministry plans to conduct a comprehensive evaluation from September. "This aims to assess the impact of the drug pricing policy and guide improvements in the system. "It will inform (these) improvements to ensure transparency and fairness in private healthcare pharmacy services," he added. ALSO READ: Medicine price display rule to proceed on Aug 1, says Health Minister The display of drug prices, which came into effect on May 1 under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Marking of Prices for Drugs) Order 2025, is part of the government's efforts to enhance public access to drug price information. This initiative seeks to ensure competitive pricing and informed consumer choices. From Aug 1, the ministry began inspections and monitoring, issuing warnings for non-compliance, with full enforcement and fines scheduled to commence on Jan 1. The phased approach aims to give private healthcare providers, including clinics, hospitals and community pharmacies, time to adjust and comply with the new regulations. The initiative faced some resistance from non-governmental organisations and medical associations, particularly concerning the regulation of consultation fees, which have not been reviewed for 30 years. ALSO READ: Medicine price display rule to stay However, Lukanisman noted that the ministry remains committed to inclusive engagement with stakeholders, including the Malaysian Medical Association, to address these issues and ensure a balanced approach to healthcare regulation. Addressing concerns raised by Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH-Tebrau) about rising medical costs, Lukanisman highlighted the ministry's ongoing efforts to implement interim Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) systems in private facilities by 2027. "The DRG data will guide private facilities in setting reasonable prices, although it won't regulate profit margins," he said. DRG systems classify hospital cases with similar clinical characteristics and resource usage, allowing for a standardised payment system based on the diagnosis and treatment provided.
