Controlling medicine prices will see private clinics closing shop, warns MMA

The Malaysian Medical Association says more than 300 private clinics closed down last year.

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) today warned that privately-owned clinics could close shop if controls on drug prices come into effect.

MMA president Dr Mohamed Namazie Ibrahim said coupled with the current fee schedule for general practitioners (GP), private clinics would be hit by lower margins till the point that they would no longer be able to sustain their business.

Currently, GPs at privately-owned clinics are charging between RM10-RM35 per visit.

“Last year alone, over 300 clinics had closed down,” he said in a statement.

GP practices, Namazie said, were subject to rising cost in rentals, medicines, medical equipment, salaries and other operational expenses.

Dr Mohamed Namazie Ibrahim.

“It is also common knowledge that GP sustainability depends on the gross profit made from drug sales.”

Yesterday, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said his ministry will work with the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry to regulate medicine prices.

Dzulkefly said Putrajaya was forced to do so as public hospitals would be too congested if private clinics are too expensive.

Namazie said there needs to be more engagement between the government and stakeholders before it enacts the planned drug price controls as it could “severely impact” the nation’s healthcare delivery. - FMT