Kuala lumpur: The move to require pharmaceutical companies to report potential medicine supply shortages at least six months in advance, starting July 1, has been described as proactive and capable of strengthening the country's supply amid global uncertainty.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) president Prof Amrahi Buang emphasized that the measure must be supported by comprehensive policies, including buffer stock and the strengthening of local production. He noted that the issue of medicine supply security must be taken seriously, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic when supplies of basic medicines such as paracetamol faced significant shortages.
During the pandemic, essential medicines like paracetamol ran out in the market, highlighting the need for the country not to overlook supply chain issues. Following these events, recommendations were made to the government to prioritize supply security, including the necessity for stockpiles to prepare for unexpected situations such as war or disasters.
Amrahi, who is also a member of the advisory board of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, stated that in times of crisis, coordinated efforts from all parties, including the National Economic Action Council, are crucial, and up-to-date information is essential to ensure sufficient medicine supply.
Commenting on the causes of supply disruptions, Amrahi pointed out that 70 percent of the country's medicine supply is imported, making it susceptible to external logistical challenges. He suggested that Malaysia develop buffer stocks for critical medicines as a safeguard and review the list of essential medicines for the country. Additionally, he advised that Malaysia seek alternative suppliers from countries such as China and India, instead of relying solely on Western countries.
Meanwhile, Pertubuhan Mesra Pengguna Malaysia (PMPM) deputy president Azlin Othman described the measure as an important intervention to protect patients' interests, although it presents its own challenges for the industry. She indicated that for critical medicines with stable demand, the measure is practical, but for medicines relying on global raw materials, a six-month projection may be challenging. Therefore, implementation needs to be flexible and supported by an efficient digital reporting system to avoid becoming a bureaucratic burden on the industry.
Azlin also supported Malaysia's efforts to develop buffer stocks, particularly for basic medicines and treatments for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and antibiotics, which often face supply disruptions. She proposed that the government establish a centralized monitoring system, conduct regular audits, and create fast communication channels between the industry and healthcare facilities.
From an enforcement perspective, Azlin suggested penalties for companies failing to comply with the directive, as this could seriously affect public health, including patients' treatment plans, while also offering incentives to compliant and proactive companies. She asserted that the buffer stock approach for critical medicines, along with a focus on increasing local production, is the most sustainable long-term solution.
Last Friday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that Malaysia will require pharmaceutical companies to report potential drug supply shortages at least six months in advance, starting July 1, as part of efforts to strengthen preparedness against global supply chain disruptions. The measure, which is currently voluntary, is part of a broader shift towards proactive risk management to ensure supply continuity amid global uncertainty. Dzulkefly also stated that industry players have been given until April 15 to provide feedback on the availability of active pharmaceutical ingredients and packaging materials, enabling early intervention before shortages affect healthcare facilities.