MALAYSIA is facing a shortage of some medications due to supply chain disruptions and a lack of active and inactive ingredients, said Malaysian Pharmacists Society president Amrahi Buang.

However, he added, the situation is not critical and supplies are available on and off.

He said pharmacists are looking into alternative medication to fill the void in the market.

“When you have a scenario where the stock is on and off, it is difficult for the people,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“Pharmacists are saying that the shortage is nationwide.

“This has been ongoing since October, but escalated when Omicron came into the picture and during the Christmas, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday period.”

Amrahi said the hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak in recent weeks also led to over-the-counter medicine flying off the shelves.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin earlier this week confirmed that there are supply shortages for cough, flu and fever medicines at pharmacies and private clinics.

However, he added, the situation is under control.

Khairy said he has instructed the Health Ministry to review pharmaceutical industry feedback and seek alternative products or sources to address the shortage.

Amrahi is glad that the ministry is doing something to address the issue, given that it has been ongoing since last year.

“On one hand, it is a supply-and-demand problem and they are trying to find alternatives to solve it,” said the pharmacist.

“As long as they are doing something to address the shortage along the supply chain, it is fine.”

He said the shortage is due to a lack of active and inactive ingredients, packaging and logistics.

“They are all related. We must also take into account whether the medicine is imported or locally manufactured.”

The Russia-Ukraine war is affecting global trade, and the pharmaceutical sector is not exempted, he added.

“China’s border control is also affecting supply and the depreciating ringgit is pushing prices up.”

Amrahi said over-the-counter medicine prices have been steadily increasing and may further rise.

“Prices have been going up, but we do not know whether they will go further up.” – June 11, 2022.