Drug price display law in force today, doctors set to strike back
A directive compelling private health care facilities to display drug prices has come into force today, in a move that is supposed to help patients make informed choices.
Doctors, however, have been strongly opposed to the order and are planning to stage a mass protest next week.
The order - to be jointly enforced by...
Summary
An order compelling clinics to display drug prices comes into effect today.
Doctors are planning to protest the move next week.
Ex-health minister Dr S Subramaniam warns that the current trajectory may result in many clinics closing down.
A directive compelling private health care facilities to display drug prices has come into force today, in a move that is supposed to help patients make informed choices.
Doctors, however, have been strongly opposed to the order and are planning to stage a mass protest next week.
The order - to be jointly enforced by the Health Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry - requires clinics to display the price of medication, including those behind counters, either in a physical or digital list.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Ali, in a joint statement yesterday, said the price transparency mechanism will allow patients to compare prices of medication and exercise judgment in making their choice.
Armizan gazetted the order on Tuesday and made it public yesterday.
Failure to comply with the order is punishable with up to RM100,000 in fines.
However, Dzulkefly and Armizan said the first three months of enforcement will be focused on advocacy so health facilities can make gradual adjustments to come into compliance.
Thousands may close shop
Doctors have argued that the sale of medication is what helps keep clinics afloat, especially since general practitioner (GP) fees have not been revised for 33 years.
A cost-benefit analysis report conducted by the Health Ministry and Malaysia Productivity Corporation in 2021 said that if clinics can't make a profit on medication, it could result in up to 2,600 clinics being closed.
This, it warned, could reduce B40 access to healthcare, especially in rural areas.
It also said that by 2037, up to 136,000 private healthcare workers may suffer wage cuts, stagnant salaries, or lose their jobs.
Citing this report, former health minister Dr S Subramaniam warned that there could be serious repercussions if the Health Ministry pushes forward with its course of action.
"These (closure of clinics) are not just numbers - they represent the very foundation of our primary healthcare system," he said in a statement today.
Review GP fees
He also echoed that there needs to be a reform to GP consultation fees first.
"Malaysia’s healthcare financing model requires a broad, structural review.
"Proposals like mandatory drug price display should be part of a comprehensive reform agenda - not introduced in isolation.
"Only through cohesive and well-integrated reforms can we ensure sustainability, fairness, and equity across both public and private healthcare sectors," Subramaniam added.
MMA disappointed
Health news portal CodeBlue reported that the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is organising the demonstration on May 6, with doctors marching from the Health Ministry to the Prime Minister's Office.
MMA president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira claimed that in a meeting with health practitioners in February, Dzulkefly pledged that the price transparency would only be implemented after GP fees are reviewed.
"Unfortunately and sadly, this commitment has not been honoured," he said in a statement last night.
The Health Ministry has also not engaged with the MMA to discuss the association's concerns, he revealed.
"Doctors have waited patiently and engaged in good faith, but the government’s decision to proceed unilaterally with the implementation of medicine price display without engaging and answering the valid concerns of the medical fraternity is both disappointing and concerning," he added.
The Malaysian Dental Association also expressed solidarity with the MMA.
However, it has ordered its members to comply with the price display order for now.
