Measures in place to prevent supply chain disruptions
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is taking steps to safeguard the supply of imported medicines against potential disruptions from the Middle East conflict by diversifying its sources of supply and manufacturers.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic) said this includes securing alternative suppliers and source countries to reduce reliance on a single source.
He said other measures were maintaining buffer stocks and implementing long-term procurement contracts to strengthen supply chain resilience.
“Our supply of imported medicines remains stable including in Sabah, despite the state’s geographical and logistical challenges.
“Among the measures implemented to ensure a continuous supply of medicines are regular monitoring of supplies by Product Registration Holders (PRHs) and inventory checks at healthcare facilities and concession companies to detect potential shortages at an early stage.
“We are also centralising procurement and implementing long-term contracts to improve supply stability and reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions,” he said in a parliamentary written reply on Monday.
Dzulkefly said the ministry, through the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency, also monitors medicine supplies under the Medicine Supply Disruption and Discontinuation Reporting system.
He also said PRHs are required to notify the agency of any anticipated medicine supply disruptions up to six months before a shortage is expected to occur.
“However, if a disruption arises unexpectedly, PRHs must report the matter immediately.
“The reporting requirement was implemented on a voluntary basis since Aug 1 last year. Mandatory reporting takes effect from July 1.”
Dzulkefly said the ministry is strengthening inventory planning and stock assurance at healthcare facilities to ensure sufficient supplies, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas in Sabah.
“We are also enhancing the functions of the Sabah state pharmaceutical logistics hub and the medicine distribution network to improve the efficiency of storage and the delivery of supplies to hospitals and health clinics throughout the state,” he said.
