Latest news with #PriceMarkingforDrug
New Straits Times
06-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Implementation of medicine price display not meant to burden private doctors
PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry (MOH) has assured that the implementation of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 is not intended to disrupt the operations of private medical practitioners, but to promote transparency and affordability in healthcare. 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.
Barnama
04-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Compliance With Medicine Price Display Order Satisfactory
PUTRAJAYA, May 4 (Bernama) -- Compliance with the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drug) Order 2025, which came into effect on May 1, has been satisfactory, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He reiterated that private healthcare facilities and pharmacies will not face fines or compounds during the initial three-month period if they fail to display medicine prices, as the Health Ministry is currently focusing on the education aspect. 'The three-month grace period is intended to give all quarters time to better understand the requirements and how to properly implement the price display measures. 'During visits to three pharmacies and private clinics yesterday, I was shown various methods being used, including via QR (quick response) codes,' he said at a media briefing session on the Lung Health Initiatives Malaysia 2025-2030 here today. Dzulkefly expressed hope that all private healthcare facilities would work together with the ministry to ensure the successful implementation of the order. 'I believe everyone will eventually be on board. We will also engage with general practitioners to assist with compliance,' he said. Under the order, all private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies must clearly display the prices of medicines sold, either on shelves, in catalogues or in written price lists. Regarding the ban on vape product sales in Terengganu, Dzulkefly welcomed the move, saying that the ministry would continue to strengthen the enforcement and regulation of electronic cigarettes and vape products under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. The media previously reported that the Terengganu government will enforce the statewide ban on vape product sales starting Aug 1.
