PUTRAJAYA: Prices of medicine and medical devices have risen due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, confirmed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
"With regard to medicine prices, there has indeed been an increase. This is closely linked to industry factors and the input cost such as oil," he told reporters after the World Hearing Day 2026 celebration here on Friday (April 10).
"As a result, the cost of medicines has risen. The increase is estimated to be around 30-40% in certain cases, and possibly higher for specific medical devices," he added.
He said the cost issues with medical devices began as early as March.
"Therefore, we have taken steps to put certain matters on hold, which caused the price increases to occur earlier. There has been an increase of around 50% to 100% for certain devices," he added.
As for the Health Ministry medicines stockpile, he said supply is stable until June.
"Overall, we have several stable stock levels. This is because not only do we have our own stock, but the industry also has its own supply, and other parties maintain their respective stocks as well.
"In general, the situation remains under control. However, we must not take this lightly," he said.
He said the government has also implemented the Special Access Pathway measure to expedite the registration of medical devices.
“But this is just an interim measure to deal with shortage and a situation of crisis,” he said while assuring that there will be no compromise on the safety and quality of the approved devices.
He said the ministry is undertaking mitigation measures and the Health Director-General has been constantly updating him on the situation.
He said at this juncture the situation remains under control.
On April 8, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said a national strategic buffer stock will be established to ensure a sufficient supply of medicines and medical devices amid the global energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.
He said the initiative was among the measures for the medium and long term, in addition to transitioning from the use of raw resin materials to polymers for certain products.
