SERI ISKANDAR: The prices of medicines have remained stable for this year following manufacturers’ decision to absorb production costs, including logistics costs, due to the increase in fuel prices, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
This allows the prices of medicines to remain within a stable price range, with an increase of 1% to 2%, if any, he added.
“So far, industry players have absorbed and borne the increased operational costs, including diesel-related costs,” he said at a press conference after the inauguration of Hospital Seri Iskandar by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, here yesterday.
Dzulkefly said the ministry’s Special Task Force on Drug and Medical Device Security was continuously monitoring medicine supply and prices through an early warning mechanism.
He said monitoring was conducted weekly using real-time reports involving supply sufficiency, costs and buffer stock planning to prevent disruptions.
The ministry was also diversifying sources of raw materials, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and medical device components, to ensure adequate supply of critical medicines, reported Bernama.
On another matter, Dzulkefly said the ministry will soon announce enforcement measures to tackle the growing threat of “zombie vape” products allegedly mixed with synthetic drugs.
He added that enforcement efforts were being strengthened on open-system vape devices, which can be easily tampered with and refilled with prohibited substances after sale.
“This is something the ministry is paying very close attention to.
“In the near future, we will make several announcements on the measures that will be taken.”
Dzulkefly said the ministry was working closely with the Home Ministry, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, police and the Customs Department to address the issue comprehensively.
He said authorities were particularly concerned over cases where vape liquids were allegedly mixed with synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine and furanyl fentanyl.
“These synthetic drugs produce effects previously described as ‘mushroom’ and ‘zombie’-like behaviour,” he said.
Earlier, during the opening of Hospital Seri Iskandar, Sultan Nazrin signed a commemorative plaque to mark the official opening before touring the hospital and exhibition gallery.
The hospital is aimed at improving access to specialist treatment for communities in central Perak.
