SERI ISKANDAR: 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.
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"In addition to maintaining supply, we also want to ensure price control thanks to the pharma (originator drug manufacturing companies) and MOPI (Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries) that produce generic drugs, as so far they have absorbed the increase in logistics costs due to the rise in diesel prices.
"The prices of medicines remain stable and if there is any increase, it is only around one to two per cent," he said at a press conference after the inauguration of the Seri Iskandar Hospital by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, here on Thursday.
Also present were the Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib.
Dzulkefly said the government has also 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 as well as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), in order to diversify the supply sources.
Meanwhile, commenting on the four suspected cases of leptospirosis at Taman Eko Rimba Ulu Bendul, Kuala Pilah, he said one patient who was admitted to the hospital on May 7 was discharged on May 11.
Yesterday, the Negeri Sembilan Health Department (JKNNS) detected four suspected cases of leptospirosis, three of which received outpatient treatment and one was admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Commenting on another question regarding the allegation that a 13-day-old baby boy suffered a fractured thigh while receiving treatment for jaundice at a hospital in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Dzulkefly said the ministry is awaiting the investigation report before assessing the veracity of the allegation.
"I cannot comment right now because we want to know the real cause of the problem fairly and responsibly. Investigations usually involve the police and also an internal investigation by the hospital director," he said.
Yesterday, it was reported that the police confirmed receiving a report regarding the allegation that a 13-day-old baby boy suffered a fractured thigh while receiving treatment for jaundice at a hospital in this district recently.
The Kuala Muda district police chief Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan said that a police report was made by the baby's father on Monday and an investigation is being conducted.
