A MEMO on the shortage of medicines due to the Covid-19 pandemic at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB) in Ipoh that went viral on social media was an internal communication letter meant to prepare the hospital in the event it faces a shortage in medical supplies.

HRPB director Dr Abdul Malik Osman said the memo was issued to alert heads of department of the hospital regarding the shortage of medicines, which is already being experienced at the global level.

“High demand for Covid-19 medicines globally has resulted in a sudden increase in demand since last May at between six and 11 times the quantity normally consumed,” he said in a statement today.

“However, the supply of medicines is not cut off totally. Instead, it is given according to needs.”

Malek said the hospital is committed in ensuring that the situation is constantly monitored and any issue arising is solved accordingly.

“Efforts have been made by the (health) ministry to overcome problems, such as making emergency acquisitions, working together with contract suppliers for alternative sources and talking to communicable disease heads regarding alternative medicines, to ensure that patients get continuous medication,” he added.

The memo about the shortage of medicines at HRPB went viral last Thursday after it was picked up by a news portal. – Bernama, August 7, 2021.