Latest news with #PriceMarkingforDrugs
The Star
07-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Pharmacists: Price display a win for public well-being
KUALA LUMPUR: The government's implementation of the law for displaying medicine prices has been hailed as a crucial step towards increasing transparency and strengthening consumer rights. Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) president Prof Amrahi Buang said the move will enable Malaysians to make more informed decisions about medications based on their financial means. He said it reflects the government's commitment to public well-being by promoting greater transparency within the national healthcare system. 'MPS views it as part of the government's initiative to educate and empower consumers, particularly regarding their right to know medicine prices and to choose where to obtain their medications, whether from clinics or pharmacies. 'This is a very positive step as it empowers consumers to make smarter and more affordable choices, which will ultimately benefit society as a whole. 'It will also help raise public awareness and improve health literacy related to medication pricing,' he told Bernama. Amrahi said the operations of community pharmacies are already outlined under the Community Pharmacy Benchmarking Guidelines and that the practice of price display has long been in place for many products listed under the new Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drugs) order. He said while pharmacy chains may not face significant challenges, smaller independent community pharmacies may encounter some initial difficulties. 'However, with clear briefings through engagement sessions and a comprehensive FAQ document, the implementation of this order can proceed smoothly,' he added. Amrahi also said the MPS held a town hall session on April 27 to allow private pharmacies to seek further clarification from the Health Ministry. In discussing the importance of pharmacies in the successful implementation of this policy, he emphasised that community pharmacies must remain vigilant and attentive to patients' rights. 'As service providers, community pharmacies must understand and meet the needs and rights of patients. This is in line with the 2018 Code of Ethics for Pharmacists, which prioritises patient and consumer welfare.' He also welcomed the government's decision to allow a three-month grace period for the implementation of the order, saying it gives small-scale pharmacies sufficient time to enhance their operations in line with the new order. 'MPS will also run a countdown via our communication channels to remind members of the order's enforcement timeline,' he said.
Malaysiakini
06-05-2025
- Health
- Malaysiakini
Memo to PM: Doctors protest regulatory overreach, fee freeze
In a memorandum to the prime minister today, 11 medical associations protested against the use of commercial regulations on medical practices. The groups say that while they fully support transparency in medicine pricing, they strongly object to the use of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drugs) Order 2025, under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723). 'Many queries were raised as to...
Malaysiakini
06-05-2025
- Health
- Malaysiakini
Memo to PM: Doctors protest regulatory overreach, fee freeze
In a memorandum to the prime minister today, 11 medical associations protested against the use of commercial regulations on medical practices. The groups say that while they fully support transparency in medicine pricing, they strongly object to the use of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drugs) Order 2025, under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723). 'Many queries were raised as to...
The Star
06-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Doctors in black gather at PMO to protest drug price display order
PUTRAJAYA: A group of about 300 doctors has gathered in front of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) here in protest of the new law mandating the display of price lists at private healthcare facilities. The doctors, mostly clad in black, gathered here since 9am Tuesday (May 6). Initially, the gathering was called "Doctors Betrayed: The Long Walk to Putrajaya" and participants planned to march from the Health Ministry to the PMO, but this was changed at the last minute. ALSO READ: Putrajaya police confirm receiving notice of planned doctors' march The doctors were seen holding placards that read 'We will not be silenced', 'Healthcare workers are undervalued', and 'Unfair fees and policies keep current and future doctors away'. Datuk Dr R. Thirunavukarasu, who addressed the group, said it was an important opportunity to voice out their concerns. 'What happens if private clinics reduce (in number)? The people will suffer,' he said. The Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drugs) order, which mandates that private healthcare providers display medicine prices, has been gazetted. The order under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 was signed by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. ALSO READ: Drug price display order gazetted, to come into effect May 1 Individual healthcare providers who fail to comply with provisions of the order face fines of up to RM50,000. As for corporate bodies, they would be liable to a fine of up to RM100,000. According to the order, there must be a price tag or label on drugs that are visible to customers and kept on display. A price list must be drawn up for medicines kept behind the counter or not visible to customers. The list would also contain information such as the generic name or active ingredient of the drug, its strength, trade name and the selling price per unit, per unit weight, or measure. The list must be displayed in a physical form, or through electronic media, screens and any suitable devices. The condition is that the price list must be accessible and visible to consumers.
The Star
02-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Education before enforcement
Learning curve: Dr Azuana and Azman chairing a press conference on the drug price display initiative. — Low Boon Tat/The Star Three-month grace period focuses on awareness, not penalties PUTRAJAYA: Advocacy and education will form the essence of the three-month grace period for the enforcement of the medicine price display law. Deputy director-general (Pharmaceutical Services) Dr Azuana Ramli said there are no plans to issue compounds during the grace period. 'During the three-month phase of the educational enforcement, we will advocate and look at how this order is implemented. It is a learning phase for both sides.' Dr Azuana stated that the introduction of the price list law is aimed to assist the public in making informed decisions by facilitating price comparisons. The Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drugs) order, which mandates private healthcare players to display medicine prices, came into effect on May 1. However, certain private healthcare practitioners, particularly general practitioners, were not receptive to the move. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Medical Association will be organising a march from the Health Ministry to the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya on May 6. On the proposed protest march, MMA's Private Practitioners Section (PPS) chairman Datuk Dr Parmjit Singh Kuldip Singh said the symbolic walk is being organised for private GPs nationwide to voice their displeasure and frustration over the use of a non-medical Act on the profession. The Act in question is the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act. They are also seeking answers to questions regarding implementation of medicine price display and the unresolved issue of stagnant private GP consultation fees, which has been a longstanding issue since 1992. 'Everything will be done within the confines of the law and with the necessary approvals,' he said. Under the order, individual healthcare providers who fail to comply with the provision will be subjected to a fine of up to RM50,000. As for corporate bodies, they will be liable to a fine of up to RM100,000. Enforcement would be jointly conducted by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and the Health Ministry. Its enforcement director-general Datuk Azman Adam said enforcement officers would guide private healthcare practitioners as they adapt to the new order during the grace period. 'We will conduct checks and enforcement responsibly at private hospitals and clinics to ensure they fulfil the requirements,' he said during a joint briefing by the two ministries yesterday. Azman added that during this period, the government would gather feedback and revise the Frequently Asked Questions to address any shortcomings. Refuting claims on social media, he said that no notices or compounds were issued on the first day of the law coming into effect. He was responding to claims that healthcare practitioners were threatened with fines by enforcement officers for failing to comply with the new law. Azman said enforcement activities carried out on May 1 were not solely confined to medicine prices but also involved other items such as cooking oil and eggs. 'Coincidentally, our officers were in the area to carry out operations. They asked (healthcare practitioners) whether they were aware (of the new law). 'It was a routine check. There were no notices or compounds issued.' Azman said the likelihood of price manipulation occurring is quite slim, adding that the healthcare sector is both mature and highly ethical.
