No shortage of original, generic medicines, say private hospitals

 The Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia says supplies from manufacturers remain stable.

The Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia urged patients to continue taking their medication as prescribed and to avoid unnecessary stockpiling. (AFP pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Stocks of both original and approved generic medications at private hospitals nationwide remain sufficient, with supply chains from manufacturers stable, says the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM).

The association said it has not observed any direct impact from the ongoing Middle East conflict on private hospitals, but member hospitals have contingency plans in place if export controls or transport disruptions arise.

“These preparations include enhanced inventory management, coordination with manufacturers and distributors, and prioritisation protocols for critical medicines.

“Pharmacy teams are also prepared to provide clinically appropriate alternatives, where needed, to ensure continuity of care,” it said in a statement.

APHM urged patients to continue their prescribed treatments as normal, to avoid hoarding medication, and to consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist on any concerns about drug substitutions.

“Private hospitals will communicate promptly if the supply situation changes,” it said.

On Monday, economy minister Akmal Nasir said Malaysia’s medicine and medical device stocks remain stable, though 16.8% of medicine items are classified as high risk and require continuous monitoring.

A further 11.3% are at medium risk, with 72% widely available. For medical devices, 81% are at low risk of shortage, 13% at medium risk, and 4% at high risk.

The government has introduced mitigation measures since the conflict began, including strengthening buffer stocks for high-risk medicines, activating a special access pathway for critical imports, and signing supply agreements with China, Japan and Uzbekistan to diversify sourcing. - FMT