Latest news with #MalaysianHealthTechnologyAssessmentSection
The Sun
30-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
MOH prioritises education in medicine price display enforcement amid legal challenge
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health (MOH) remains committed to an educational approach in enforcing the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Medicine Price Labelling) Order 2025, even as a judicial review application challenges the regulation. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad emphasized that while the ministry respects the legal process, it will proceed with awareness initiatives to avoid gaps in enforcement. 'We will continue with this approach to avoid enforcement gaps while the court process is ongoing,' he said after officiating the 2025 National Health Technology Assessment Conference and the 30th anniversary of the Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS). The regulation, effective since May 1, requires private clinics and community pharmacies to display medicine prices on shelves, in catalogues, or through written price lists. The move aims to enhance transparency and prevent profiteering in the healthcare sector. Dr Dzulkefly addressed reports that the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and seven other organisations, including the Sabah Private Practitioners Association (APPS) and the Malaysian Muslim Doctors Association (PERDIM), have sought leave for a judicial review. On May 4, the minister clarified that no fines or penalties would be imposed during the initial three-month grace period, prioritizing stakeholder education instead. With the grace period ending on July 31, neither MOH nor the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has announced an extension. - Bernama
Malay Mail
30-07-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Putrajaya to bolster health technology assessment with new website, AI tools, frameworks
KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 — Malaysia has launched six new initiatives to embed evidence-based healthcare, expand digital tools, and improve patient-focused services, as part of efforts to strengthen health policy and delivery, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said today. Led by the Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS), these initiatives represent a major step forward in embedding evidence-based practices across all levels of the healthcare system. 'These initiatives will not only deepen the use of evidence in clinical and policy settings but also foster cross-sector collaboration and position Malaysia at the forefront of health innovation,' Dzulkefly said in his speech at the National Health Technology Assessment Conference 2025 here. According to Dzulkefly, the six initiatives designed to modernise Malaysia's healthcare evaluation and delivery include: MyMaHTAS website: A redesigned digital platform offering easy access to HTA reports, Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), and other tools for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. Guide to Using Real-World Evidence (RWE): Explains how data from electronic medical records and observational studies can complement clinical trials to generate practical, localised health insights. Public Health Intervention Framework: A new tool to support more comprehensive evaluations of public health programmes by factoring in broader elements like equity and societal benefit. MaHTAS Assessment Framework for Digital Health Technology (DHT): Ensures rigorous, locally relevant evaluations of digital innovations such as mobile apps, telehealth platforms, and AI-powered tools. Ask CPG Platform: An AI-powered platform providing clinicians with real-time, point-of-care access to MaHTAS-developed clinical guidelines to support better decision-making. White Paper on Enhancing Medical Device Assessment: Outlines seven strategic actions to align medical device evaluations with value-based healthcare principles. Dzulkefly also said he wanted MaHTAS to evolve into a recognised Centre of Excellence, similar to international counterparts like the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). He noted that NICE was established years after MaHTAS yet is now internationally acknowledged. 'I want Malaysia to move in the same direction,' he said, tasking the ministry's top leadership with driving this effort. 'My role is to provide the vision and direction, while the secretary-General will facilitate and coordinate the necessary implementation processes to realise this aspiration,' he added.
The Sun
30-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Govt mulls etomidate reclassification after vape misuse
PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry will conduct a detailed review before deciding whether to reclassify etomidate as a dangerous drug, following reports of its misuse in illicit vape products. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said while etomidate is currently listed under Category B of the Poisons Act as an intravenous sedative and anaesthetic used in clinical settings, any move to list it under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 must be based on solid evidence. 'It is already controlled under the Poisons Act. The question now is whether it should be listed under the Dangerous Drugs Act, and that decision must go through proper evaluation,' he told reporters after launching the National Health Technology Assessment Conference 2025 yesterday. He said the Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS) will play a key role in guiding that process. The issue was recently raised in Parliament by Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii (PH-DAP), who urged the government to act after Singapore reported cases of etomidate being used in a vape product brand known as K-pods, allegedly targeted at young users. Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung was reported to have said that one-third of 100 seized vape devices tested positive for etomidate. Singapore is moving to list the substance as a Class C drug under its Misuse of Drugs Act. Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry is also continuing its broader review of vaping laws, including the possibility of a national ban. 'We are studying this seriously, but we will proceed based on evidence and legal considerations,' he said.
