Alice Lau says the shift of allocations for MOH programmes to lump-sum budgets may cause a patient’s condition to deteriorate, while they wait for medication that can only be obtained upon approval by higher-ups.
MOH needs to take into account the interests of various stakeholders and the implication of the amendments before tabling amendments to the Poisons Act that regulates medicines, says Dr Adham Baba.
Under proposed amendments to the Poisons Act 1952, doctors, dentists, and vets violating mandatory prescriptions upon request face maximum five years' jail, up to RM50,000 fine, or both.
The Malaysian Medical Association and Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society propose that MOH work together with GPs and community pharmacies to reduce the burden at public health clinics.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii wants emergency workers, pharmacists, essential medical supplies logistics coordinators, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, counsellors, and hospital cleaners to be covered too.