KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) said today that its member hospitals currently aren’t experiencing disruptions in medicine supply amid the West Asia conflict.
The hospitals’ association said Malaysia’s pharmaceutical supply chain has yet to show direct impact from the Iran war that is entering its fourth week.
“We will keep reviewing for any indications of a significant increase in the cost of medicines and medical consumables that may arise as a result of higher oil prices or global shipping disruptions from the conflict,” APHM president Dr Kuljit Singh said in a statement.
“APHM assures Malaysians that all essential health care services at private hospitals remain fully operational. Many private hospitals have, over the past several years, adopted green technologies, with energy conservation now an established priority across the sector.
“Private hospitals also remain committed to prudent cost management, with a continued focus on delivering the best possible care to Malaysian patients and foreign medical tourists.”
When asked about global helium gas supplies disrupted by the Persian Gulf conflict that now enters its fourth week, Dr Kuljit said he was uncertain.
Helium is required to cool superconducting magnets in MRI scanners, without which the machines cannot operate.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a statement Monday that the country has up to five months’ medicine stock supplies.
