ISKANDAR PUTERI: The country’s medical device supply will remain stable despite the Middle East conflict following a deal inked with China, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic).
He said the ministry’s Medical Device Authority (MDA) had signed a memorandum of understanding with China to ensure the supply of raw materials for use by the Malaysian industry.
“Raw materials are crucial for us to continue producing medical products without interruption.
“With the deal, there are no issues that will lead to supply disruption or delays,” he told reporters during a Hari Raya open house here yesterday at Dewanraya Taman Bukit Indah.
Dzulkefly said the government’s current focus is to ensure that the supply of raw materials is sufficient.
“This initiative aims to ensure the supply of raw materials remains adequate at all times, thereby allowing the production of medical devices to continue without disruption.”
For now, he said that other matters are under negotiation.
“The government is prioritising the security of supply first. Pricing matters are still being negotiated based on a ‘willing buyer, willing seller’ concept,” he said.
On Friday, the ministry said that it had signed an agreement with China to boost supplies of resin and naphtha, which are key raw materials in the production of medical devices.
Dr Dzulkefly had previously said the ministry is monitoring the rising prices of medicines and medical devices, which have increased by up to 40% following the global energy crisis caused by the Middle East conflict.
