KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 — Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has denied reported shortages of haemophilia treatment, claiming that all patients are receiving adequate medical supplies.
“The MOH has reviewed the issue of haemophilia treatment drug supply, and at present, no patients are facing disruptions in their treatment. The ministry remains committed to ensuring a sufficient supply of medications to meet patient needs,” Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said in a written Dewan Rakyat reply on December 10.
Dzulkefly was responding to a question from Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail, who raised concerns about haemophilia patients reporting delays in receiving their medication over the past few months.
The Haemophilia Society of Malaysia (HSM) said in a statement last October that several major treatment centres in the country have experienced shortages in haemophilia treatment supplies since early 2023.
HSM said delays in treatment can lead to further health complications for patients, such as spontaneous internal bleeding, which often accelerates joint damage, increasing the risk of permanent disability.
“Haemophilia is a lifelong condition where patients lack sufficient blood clotting factors, leading to prolonged internal bleeding from any injury, which can result in permanent disability if not properly managed,” the patient group had said.
“Patients require regular intravenous (IV) injections to prevent bleeding and allow them to participate in daily activities, education, work, and social functions.”
In his parliamentary reply, Dzulkefly revealed that MOH spent RM85.7 million on haemophilia treatment drugs between January 1 and October 30, 2024, a 65 per cent increase from the RM51.8 million spent in 2023.
A total of 18 types of haemophilia drugs were procured for MOH health facilities this year, with 13 purchased via the Medical Supply Logistics Concession and five through direct procurement. Of these, 14 drugs were factor-based, two were classified as bypassing agents, and two were non-factor treatment drugs.
For 2025, the government has approved RM6 billion for pharmaceutical medical supplies, an 8.3 per cent increase from the RM5.54 billion allocated in 2024.
“With this allocation, the MOH is optimistic that the funds will be spent optimally to ensure a continuous supply of medications, including for haemophilia treatment,” Dzulkefly said.
