KUALA LUMPUR: Introducing generic medicines and strategic purchasing are among the measures taken to ensure stable prices and supply of medicines, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said the National Generic Medicine Framework promotes high-quality, safe, and effective generic medicines.
“This initiative is crucial for health security and encourages local industries to increase production capacities, ensuring access to affordable medications,” he said on Thursday (Feb 20).
He was responding to Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PN-Bukit Bendera) who asked about measures to stabilise medicine pricing and supply.
Regarding strategic purchasing, Dzulkefly said collaborative efforts streamline procurement processes, involving pooled procurement in Teaching Hospitals under the Higher Education and Defence Ministries.
He said this optimises resource use and reduces expenditure.
Dzulkefly highlighted the Off-Take Plus Agreement Programme (PPO Plus), aiming to boost domestic investment in pharmaceutical and medical device production.
"The PPO Plus ensures pharmaceutical supply security from local sources while reducing costs in the medium term,” he added.
The ministry launched the Malaysia Medicine Price Guide (MyPriMe), an online platform increasing price transparency and helping consumers make informed decisions.
MyPriMe allows consumers to compare prices and obtain medicines more affordably at private healthcare facilities, empowering better health and financial choices.
The minister announced plans to initiate a Medicine Price Display in private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies this year.
"This will enable the public to know the prices of medicines, compare them, and choose the best options for obtaining medications affordably," said Dzulkefly.
To improve access to innovative medicines, the ministry implemented accelerated registration pathways and schemes like the Patient Access Scheme (PASc) and the Patient Assisted Programme (Special Approval) (PAPSA).
"These initiatives ensure Malaysians have access to the latest and most effective treatments, reflecting our dedication to advanced and accessible healthcare," said Dzulkefly.
