Pharmacies relying on non-medical products to stay afloat

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite complaints that Malaysians are paying exorbitant prices for medicine, pharmacists claim their businesses are struggling, with many of them resorting to peddling sweets and other non-medical products to keep afloat.

Refuting accusations that they were selling medicines at high prices, Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild (MCPG) president Lovy Beh said: “Previously, it was common for pharmacists to charge 25-30% above cost to keep their operations going. But these days, they are charging just an additional 15%. Some of them are even selling the drugs at below cost.”