Latest news with #HengAikTeng
The Star
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Beware exaggerated claims for online supplements
PETALING JAYA: The growing trend of buying medicine and supplements online is putting consumers at risk of serious health complications, say experts. While some consumers know what they're taking, others have no idea what they may have consumed. 'That's where the danger lies,' said Malaysian Chinese Medical Association president Heng Aik Teng. 'If you're buying something for consumption, especially medicine, don't go by price alone. 'A higher price often includes professional consultation and safety. 'It's not worth risking your health just to save a few ringgit,' he said. Heng said the Health Ministry has implemented a system to check whether health supplements are approved. 'Every registered medicine has a MAL number. Just go to the NPRA (National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency) website and key in the MAL number to check if the product is approved.' He warned that some online platforms, especially those hosted overseas, may not be traceable. 'If something goes wrong, how will you trace the source? The IP address may be foreign, and that makes enforcement nearly impossible,' he said. He added that some supplements may have harmful ingredients or side effects if taken for the long term, especially when bought without seeking medical advice. Federation of Chinese Physicians and Acupuncturists Associations Malaysia (FCPAAM) president Ng Po Kok said many online medicinal products often come with exaggerated or misleading claims. 'The public cannot easily distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products, especially when they appear similar to those sold in licensed stores,' he said. Ng said there has been a surge in counterfeit or unregistered drugs being marketed as health supplements, especially when the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns triggered a shift in people's shopping behaviour. Some products, he warned, may contain hidden ingredients such as steroids, which can offer immediate relief but can lead to long-term complications like kidney failure or swelling. 'Painkillers marketed for rheumatism, for example, may initially seem effective but can cause severe side effects after just a few months,' he said. Ng urged the government to move beyond traditional enforcement against physical stores and establish a dedicated online monitoring unit to verify the safety and legality of medicines sold on digital platforms. He warned that some sellers go as far as forging certificates or registration numbers, which is why consumers must verify product details themselves with the Health Ministry. Malaysian Association of Traditional Indian Medicine president Vaidyar Raggupathi said that some traditional or complementary health products are registered and approved by the authorities. 'For example, products must carry a proper sticker to show they're registered with the pharmaceutical authority in Malaysia. But when it comes to online products, that's often missing,' he said. He warned of the potential dangers of prolonged use of certain herbal remedies without proper knowledge. 'Take neem, for example. It's bitter in nature and is often promoted as a blood purifier. 'While it may help with certain skin issues, it can be dangerous for those with low haemoglobin. Prolonged use without guidance can worsen their condition,' he said.
Sinar Daily
30-04-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
T&CM practitioners in the dark
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
The Star
29-04-2025
- Health
- The Star
T&CM practitioners in the dark
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 medication 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,' he said. '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
28-04-2025
- Health
- The Star
Countdown to price list display
Private healthcare players urge govt to reconsider new regulation PETALING JAYA: Supplements, along with controlled drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medication and traditional medicines, are required to be on the price list display by private hospitals and clinics once the Medicine Price Transparency Mechanism begins. The price display, which the Health Ministry has scheduled for Thursday, will also include extemporaneous drugs, which refers to medication specially prepared by pharmacists when an appropriate drug is not readily available yet. 'All medicine displayed for sale must come with a price list in ringgit that shows the price per unit, price per packet or the price per dosage. 'The price must be displayed in a readable font size and colour,' said the Health Ministry's Pharmacy Division in a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) released recently to healthcare practitioners. It is also stipulated that the price display must be in Bahasa Malaysia or English, and the uses of a drug cannot be mentioned or indicated although images of the medicine are permitted. This new regulation applies to private healthcare facilities including hospitals, hospices, psychiatric hospitals, clinics, mental health centres, dental clinics, haemodialysis centres, ambulatory centres, maternity centres, nursing homes and community pharmacies. But with three days left before the price display mechanism is expected to kick in, there is much doubt among private healthcare players on the implementation. Malaysian Chinese Medical Association president Heng Aik Teng said the group had not been informed of any requirement for a price list for traditional medicines. 'The situation regarding this matter is rather complex and requires further verification from the ministry,' he said. CLICK TO ENLARGE Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations Malaysia president Dr Shanmuganathan TV Ganeson said many general practitioners are anxious about the order taking effect on May 1. 'We all have our prices to enable our clinic staff to generate the charges. This is a bundled charge to cover other expenses. The display itself is a rudimentary requirement,' he said. Bundled charges refers to the total cost after factoring in professional fees, medicines, consumables and procedures. 'With so many associations voicing their displeasure, it is important that the Cabinet take note. Of course they can force it on the clinics, but this may backfire,' he added. Shanmuganathan said the government should scrap the plan and instead work towards revising consultation fees for GPs. Rachel Gan, honorary secretary of the Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild, said the move would increase administrative work for them. She said pharmacies had already been displaying prices for OTC medication and supplements for a long time. 'But the problem is price increase and fluctuation. Updating this list daily could be an unnecessary additional workload for us,' she said, adding that pharmacists may spend more time on administrative work instead of focusing on patient care. 'I have been trying to prepare the list and it takes a lot of work. We need to write down the generic name of medicines and the price per unit of tablets,' she said. Aside from that, reprinting catalogues if there is a price adjustment could be an added cost. 'If we use electronic devices and we use a tablet just to display prices, the cheapest one would cost RM300 per unit,' she said. 'So if you have several outlets, you can imagine the cost just to comply with this requirement.' According to the FAQ, the price list must be displayed in a physical form such as catalogues, notice boards, laptops, desktop computers, kiosks or electronic screens. The price list must be placed at a location that is easily accessible to patients, such as at the registration counter, hospital lobby or dispensary counters in pharmacies. The FAQ said displaying the price list via QR code, online or using LED banners or digital scrolling messages are not considered as other options for a physical price list. However, facilities are permitted to share the price list digitally via QR code or online through their website or official social media channels as an additional measure.
