Latest news with #MADANIAfiatProgramme
Barnama
26-04-2025
- Health
- Barnama
MOH Closely Monitoring New US Tariffs, Focusing On Medical Devices, Pharmaceutical Products
KOTA BHARU, April 26 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry is closely monitoring two key issues following the tariffs imposed by United States (US) President Donald Trump, particularly those affecting medical devices and pharmaceutical products. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that although Trump had previously indicated an intention to exempt pharmaceuticals from these tariffs, recent developments suggest otherwise. "Some of the announced tariffs remain unclear, and with Trump's unpredictability, we must remain vigilant. It is crucial for me, as the Minister of Health, to stay attentive to these two matters,' he told a press conference after opening the state-level 2025 MADANI Afiat Programme in Tunjong here today. He was responding to questions about the potential impact of the US tariffs on the nation's healthcare supply chain. Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry was also making early preparations to find alternative markets and sources to ensure the continuity of the country's health supply is not affected. On April 2, Trump announced a series of reciprocal tariffs imposed on many countries, including 24 per cent on imports of goods from Malaysia, but this has now been postponed for 90 days. Meanwhile, regarding the ban on the sale of electronic cigarette (vape) products by the Terengganu government effective Aug 1, he said the ministry was determined to implement comprehensive regulation on vape products with the gazette of the Smoking Products Control for Public Health Act 2024. He said the act, which functions as a stand-alone legislation, would serve as a strong foundation for regulating all aspects related to smoking products, including their registration, sales, advertising, and nicotine content. "Our approach is to enforce strict regulation. Sales to minors will be completely prohibited, and stringent controls will be in place to ensure there is no room for any form of leniency," he said.
Barnama
26-04-2025
- Health
- Barnama
ETAP Issue Expected To Be Resolved By June
KOTA BHARU, April 26 (Bernama) -- The issue regarding the increase in On-Call Duty Allowance (ETAP) for health workers is expected to be finalised by June at the latest, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said a committee chaired by Tan Sri Dr Abu Bakar Sulaiman, who is a former Health Director-General, is currently in the final stages of negotiations before the decision is finalised. "The committee is actively discussing and is currently in the final phase of negotiation. We hope a decision can be reached soon. "I understand the workload of health workers who work around the clock, and hope that all processes can be completed by June at the latest," he told a press conference after opening the state-level 2025 MADANI Afiat Programme in Tunjong, here, today. Dr Dzulkefly said this when asked to comment on the latest developments regarding the on-call allowance for health workers. He said the welfare of health workers has always been a priority for him since helming the ministry. "Waiting is torture. I hope this matter can be concluded in May because I know they are working very hard. We have reached the end of the discussion. God willing, this time we will resolve the matter," he said. It was previously reported that the Health Ministry had received approval to increase ETAP for health workers. ETAP is compensation for the additional responsibilities carried out by Medical Officers in treating patients while on-call at hospitals after normal working hours.
