Sinsehs feel the pinch: medicine prices up, consultations down

 

Faced with the rising cost of living, fewer people have been calling on traditional Chinese medical practitioners and acupuncturists for treatment. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Prices of Chinese medicines have risen, while consultations with the sinseh at Chinese medical halls have gone down by 30%.

Dr Yong Wee Seong, president of the Malaysian Chinese Medical Association, said the rising inflation rate and cost of living meant fewer people were coming to traditional Chinese medical practitioners as they sought to tighten their belts.

The weakening ringgit, higher logistic costs and lockdowns in China affecting exports had raised medicine prices, he said, according to China Press.

Yong said patients now mainly came for consultations if faced with major illnesses and put off seeing the doctor for minor ailments.

Some Chinese medicine clinics were saving up on stocks and providing “special benefits” to retain customers, but these promotions could only last for about three months.

“Those in the business can absorb some of these extra costs while some will charge customers based on the new product prices.”

Dr Ng Po Kok, president of the Federation of Chinese Physicians and Acupuncturists Associations Malaysia, said they had also seen a 20% decrease in patients seeking medical help.

He said acupuncturists, who frequently treat bone fracture patients, had complained that prices of over-the-counter medicines and ointments had gone up by 30%, leading to higher medical fees.

Ng said some medical halls were providing other healthcare consultations in view of the drop in the number of customers.

“As of now, we have not heard of members wanting to shut down their business because they cannot sustain the losses. They usually find a way to continue their business.” - FMT