Kuala Lumpur:The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) has urged the government to expand the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) program to include qualified community pharmacies nationwide under Budget 2027. This expansion aims to improve access to essential medicines and health products.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MPS stated that the proposal would enable eligible recipients to use their SARA allocation for approved medicines, health products, and other essential items at participating neighborhood pharmacies.

The society referenced an Ipsos survey involving 1,000 SARA users, which revealed that 92 percent of respondents wanted qualified community pharmacies included in the government aid network. The survey also identified an accessibility gap, with 59 percent of respondents unable to use their SARA allocation at their preferred outlets over the past year.

MPS noted the main issues were outlets not accepting SARA, intended items being ineligible, or the SARA payment system not functioning. Additionally, 47 percent of respondents reported that some everyday essentials, including medicines or health products, were not eligible under SARA.

The society emphasized that expanding the SARA network to community pharmacies could address the retail accessibility gap and bring essential healthcare products closer to recipients. MPS also highlighted that community pharmacies provide access to registered healthcare professionals who can advise on the safe use of medicines and health products. The society expressed readiness to collaborate with the government and relevant stakeholders to develop a framework for community pharmacy participation in SARA.