Healthcare at a crossroads

Used blister packets that contained medicines, tablets and pills are seen, in this picture illustration taken June 30, 2018. REUTERS/Russell Boyce/Illustration

I WOULD like to touch upon a disturbing phenomenon in the healthcare delivery chain in Malaysia. I refer particularly to doctors’ responsibility in how medications are prescribed and dispensed.

For years now, there has been talk about “dispensing separation” whereby doctors in private practice should only prescribe medications and allow patients to choose from whom they get their medications, be it the doctor or any registered pharmacist. This system has merit, and many countries have adopted it. And, ultimately, the patient benefits.