Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Consumer and Family Economics Association (MACFEA) has urged general practitioners to collectively come up with a position paper based on data, research, and international best practices on the issue of pricing for medicine.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MACFEA exco Prof Dr Nuradli Ridzwan Shah Mohd Dali emphasized that as the frontline in the country’s healthcare system, general practitioners (GPs) should tackle the issue with a fact-based approach and scientific explanation. This strategy is aimed at not only strengthening the position of GPs in the national health policy discourse but also enhancing public trust in the private medical system in Malaysia.

Dr Nuradli Ridzwan Shah highlighted the need for any concerns regarding the implications of drug price disclosure, such as its impact on private clinic business models, variations in logistics and procurement costs, and differences in drug formulations, to be communicated transparently and responsibly. This transparency is essential to gain the confidence of both the ministry and the Malaysian public, ensuring fairness to consumers through transparent health costs.

MACFEA expressed full support for the government’s efforts to increase transparency in the private medical sector, aligning with principles of accountability, integrity, and social justice. The initiative is expected to help consumers make informed choices and reduce the risk of price manipulation and lack of transparency in treatment costs.

The government has mandated that private healthcare providers like clinics and community pharmacies are required to display medicine prices with visible tags starting May 1, under the Medicine Price Transparency Mechanism.