The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) acknowledges the efforts of the Pharmaceutical Services Programme, Ministry of Health (MOH) in organising the Sesi Advokasi Pemaparan Harga Ubat di Kemudahan Jagaan Kesihatan Swasta dan Farmasi Komuniti Bil. 1/2025.
This session serves as a vital platform to discuss the proposed implementation of medicine price transparency at private health care facilities and community pharmacies.
While MPS supports transparency in medicine pricing, we would like to highlight key considerations that must be addressed to ensure fairness and feasibility in implementing this policy:
Price Transparency Should Be Comprehensive
MPS advocates that price transparency regulations should not be limited to health care professionals, but extend to wholesalers and manufacturers as well.
A holistic approach ensures that transparency is achieved at all levels of the supply chain, preventing undue burden on pharmacies and private health care providers.
Moratorium Needed Until Schedule 7 Consultation Fees Are Resolved
MPS aligns with the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) in calling for a moratorium on the implementation of price display regulations until issues regarding Schedule 7 of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act (PHFSA) 1998 are resolved.
Under Schedule 7, private clinic general practitioners (GPs) are currently restricted to consultation fees of RM10 to RM35, while private dentists are capped at RM25 to RM250.
This long-standing fee cap has not been revised in over two decades, and its resolution must be prioritised before additional regulatory burdens are imposed on private health care providers.
Independent Pharmacies Must Be Given Equal Consideration
MPS urges the government to extend the same moratorium considerations to independent community pharmacies, which face significant implementation and digitalisation costs.
Unlike large pharmacy chains, independent pharmacies may struggle to absorb these costs, potentially affecting their sustainability and ability to serve patients effectively.
Incentives For Compliance
Recognising the financial and administrative burden of compliance, MPS proposes that tax relief or other incentives be provided to healthcare professionals and pharmacies that successfully implement price transparency measures.
This approach acknowledges the effort involved while encouraging adherence to the policy.
MPS remains committed to constructive engagement with the MOH to ensure that medicine price transparency policies are fair, practical, and beneficial to both health care providers and the public.
We welcome continued discussions with all stakeholders to develop an implementation framework that is both effective and equitable.
Amrahi Buang is the president of the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS).
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