Kuala lumpur: The prices of medicines remain stable for this year following manufacturers' decision to absorb production costs, including logistics costs, due to the increase in fuel prices. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said this allows the prices of medicines to remain within a stable price range, with an increase of one to two per cent if any.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkefly mentioned that to ensure price control, originator drug manufacturing companies and the Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries (MOPI) have absorbed the increase in logistics costs due to the rise in diesel prices. He reiterated that the prices of medicines remain stable and any increase is expected to be minimal, around one to two per cent. Dzulkefly shared these insights during a press conference after the inauguration of the Seri Iskandar Hospital by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, where the Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib were also present.
Dzulkefly further elaborated that the government has signed a memorandum of understanding with relevant parties to obtain raw materials such as petrochemical products, resins, polymers, and others for the use of medical devices and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API). This initiative aims to diversify supply sources amidst the current energy supply crisis.
Providing updates on health issues, Dzulkefly addressed the four suspected cases of leptospirosis at Taman Eko Rimba Ulu Bendul, Kuala Pilah. He reported that one patient, hospitalized on May 7, was discharged on May 11. The Negeri Sembilan Health Department had earlier detected these cases, with three patients receiving outpatient treatment and one admitted to the hospital.
Regarding an alleged incident involving a 13-day-old baby boy who reportedly suffered a fractured thigh while receiving treatment for jaundice at a hospital in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Dzulkefly stated that the ministry is awaiting an investigation report to verify the claim. The Kuala Muda district police chief, Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan, confirmed that an investigation is ongoing following a police report made by the baby's father.