Health Ministry Expects Medicine Prices To Remain Stable Despite Rising Costs
PARIT: The Health Ministry expects medicine prices in Malaysia to remain under control as most pharmaceutical manufacturers and suppliers continue absorbing rising operational expenses, including fuel and logistics costs.
Dzulkefly Ahmad said the approach has helped prevent major price hikes despite ongoing global uncertainties linked to the conflict in West Asia.
According to the Health Minister, any price increases recorded so far remain minimal and have not significantly affected the local pharmaceutical market.
“They are absorbing costs related to diesel and transportation. Even where there are increases, they are only around one to two per cent and remain within normal levels.
“We hope this situation can be maintained so the public will continue to have access to medicines at stable prices,” he said after attending the opening ceremony of Hospital Seri Iskandar today.
The ceremony was officiated by Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
Earlier concerns had emerged that medicine prices could rise due to increasing international shipping, logistics and fuel costs caused by geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Dzulkefly said the ministry is continuously monitoring the situation through close cooperation with healthcare stakeholders, pharmaceutical manufacturers and suppliers to ensure adequate medicine supplies remain available.
He stressed that the ministry does not want disruptions affecting access to critical medicines, particularly treatments needed by heart patients and individuals with chronic illnesses.
“We are paying close attention to this issue because access to essential medicines must always be protected,” he said.
In another development, Dzulkefly said the ministry has intensified enforcement efforts following growing concerns over the abuse of furanylfentanyl, commonly referred to as the ‘zombie drug’, through vape products.
According to him, enforcement authorities are focusing on open-system vape devices that allow illegal substances to be mixed into vape liquids using refillable pods or bottles.
“We will announce several additional measures in the near future and enforcement efforts are currently being strengthened.
“The ministry is also working closely with the Home Ministry, the Royal Malaysia Police and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to combat these activities,” he said.
Local media previously reported that furanylfentanyl, believed to be significantly more potent than morphine, was allegedly being sold openly through the vape market to selected customers.
Health experts have warned that abuse of the synthetic substance could lead to severe addiction and increase the risk of fatal overdoses.
-wilayah.com.my
