Service could help save travel time and money, especially for retirees
PETALING JAYA: Free regular medication delivery is a welcome relief for senior citizens, particularly retirees, as every ringgit counts.
For N. Prema, 70, the free postal service means she no longer has to travel long distances to collect her regular medication.
“Currently, I get my medicine from Penang General Hospital in George Town while I live in Bukit Mertajam on the mainland.
“Although delivery fees range from RM5 to RM10 and are affordable, every penny saved is always welcome.
“It’s much easier for us now that our regular medicines can reach us in the comfort of our own home,” Prema added.
A retiree who wanted to be known only as Cheong, 66, said every cent saved is crucial during one’s golden years.
“We’re not earning anymore, so we want to save where we can.
“Even though the delivery costs are affordable, having the service for free is beneficial,” said Cheong.
Yesterday, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said free postal delivery of medicine would be provided to patients who opt for the service beginning Oct 1.
The Communications Ministry initiative is being implemented by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission in collaboration with the Health Ministry.
Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations secretary-general T. Saravanan described the initiative as removing a financial barrier for patients.
“The move is not as simple as the government paying for postage, but as an initiative that can improve accessibility, convenience and efficiency within the public healthcare system,” he said.
He noted that the initiative should be viewed beyond the delivery fee itself.
“Travelling to collect medicines involves other costs, including petrol, tolls, parking and public transportation.
“Patients or their caregivers may also have to take time off work. Delivering medicines to the home can save both time and money,” he said.
Saravanan added that easier access to medicines could support continuity of treatment and encourage better medication adherence, especially among patients with chronic illnesses.
He hoped the programme would be implemented efficiently nationwide, including for patients in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
“Some patients may not know that medicine delivery is available or understand how to register for the service.
“The registration process should also be simple and user-friendly, particularly for senior citizens and those who are less digitally literate,” said Saravanan.
