Former Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr NKS Tharmaseelan said any plans to bar doctors from the right to dispense medication will lead to higher medical costs for consumers.

He said the move would be a negative one as healthcare would become pricey because doctors would seek to justify their consultation fee, if the bill no longer includes the cost of medicines.

“The current cost of a visit to a general practitioner (GP) on average is RM50, which includes medicine and consultation (fees).

“If separation is done, the average cost will balloon many times more. The GP then will have to charge RM 30 to RM 50 for consultation alone, as approved by the Health Ministry approved Fee Schedule,” he said in an email to Malaysiakini.

Rural-dwellers will hurt more

The move may also hurt rural dwellers, he said, since pharmacies are not common in such areas.

“GP clinics are easily accessible. GP clinics exist even in remote corners of the country, including East Malaysia

“Pharmacies are few especially in the rural areas. None offer round the clock services, even in urban areas. Why change a system that works and keeps all happy?” he asked.

While noting that Malaysia has the most affordable private primary healthcare system in the world, Tharmaseelan cautioned the government against lobby groups calling for separation for financial gains.

“Let us not lose this hard-won international accolade due to pressure and lobbying by those having financial self-interest.

“Malaysians will have to pay a heavy price for this change if it ever becomes a reality.
 
“Malaysians hope the government will not yield to this ‘bullying’ by the concerned parties to separate dispensing from doctors,” he said.