T&CM practitioners in the dark

Sinar Daily

30-04-2025

PETALING JAYA - Traditional medicines are supposed to be in the medicine price list that is expected to come into effect on May 1, but traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) practitioners are still unclear if they will be required to display prices too.
The Health Ministry's Pharmacy Division list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), released recently, listed supplements, controlled drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medication and traditional medicines as the medications required to be on the price list displayed by private hospitals, clinics and community pharmacies.
Malaysian Chinese Medical Association president Heng Aik Teng said the group has not been informed of any requirement for a price list to be displayed for traditional medicines.
'The situation regarding this matter is rather complex and requires further verification from the ministry,' he said.
Coalition of Traditional Malay Medicine Practitioners Association Malaysia (Gapera) founder and president Adzhar Latif said he agreed with the policy.
'But at this time we have not streamlined and stipulated the prices for traditional medicine services,' he said.
Meanwhile, consumer groups say they are looking forward to the Medicine Price Transparency Mechanism.
Consumers Association of Penang president Mohideen Abdul Kadeer said the move is a critical step for consumer rights and price accountability in Malaysia's healthcare sector.
'Consumers need to have informed choices regarding which facility can offer more reasonable or lower prices for the same medicine.
'The rights of consumers and patients to affordable care are part of a broader effort to maintain a low cost of living, which serves the public interest best,' he said.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations secretary-general Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said there has been a lack of transparency on medicine costs for a long time, with bills often given without a clear cost breakdown.
'With the new requirement for healthcare providers to clearly display the price per unit and the price per pack of medicines, consumers will now be empowered to make informed decisions about their healthcare purchases.
'It allows patients to better understand the actual cost of their treatment, compare prices across different providers and demand better value for their money. This transparency strengthens consumer confidence in the healthcare system and encourages more responsible pricing behaviour among healthcare providers,' he added.
He said the mandatory display of both the generic name and trade name, alongside the pricing, will help educate consumers about their medication options and promote the use of generic drugs, which are often cheaper yet equally effective.
'By being informed about generic drugs, patients can choose more affordable alternatives, easing their financial burden without compromising their treatment outcomes. In this sense, the policy protects consumer rights and promotes health literacy among Malaysians, a vital component of achieving a healthier nation,' he said.
He said the move will also bring about fairer competition among private healthcare providers, with clinics and pharmacies being encouraged to offer more competitive pricing – knowing that consumers can now easily compare charges.
'When prices are out in the open, the market naturally corrects itself; excessive markups and unreasonable charges become harder to justify. In the long run, such an approach could lead to an overall reduction in outpatient treatment costs, making private healthcare more accessible to the wider population,' added Dr Saravanan.
'Furthermore, it provides a stronger basis for regulatory oversight, as enforcement agencies can now verify compliance more easily and act swiftly against exploitative practices,' he said.
However, the move continues to encounter resistance from private healthcare practitioners, who assert that they will face increased costs and additional administrative burdens. - THE STAR