THE Malaysian Health Coalition has urged Putrajaya to streamline the approval process for out-of-contract purchases of drugs that require special approval at Health Ministry (MOH) facilities, amid the country’s shortage of medicines.

In a statement today, the group said Malaysia obtains drugs from replacement suppliers or with special approval from the health director-general or pharmaceutical services senior director in two situations – namely when the original supplier is unable to fulfil the order or when the drug is not listed in the Health Ministry’s Medication Formulary.

“Replacement providers and special approvals are required during a drug shortage crisis.

“Therefore, the approval process for these rules should be streamlined to increase efficiency and reduce waiting periods.

“This is important in situations that pose public health risks such as a shortage of medication, especially during an ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.”

It also suggested that MOH increase the production capacity of locally made medicines to minimise the impact of future disruptions.

It said this must be accompanied by good manufacturing practices (GMP) to ensure all locally made medicines meet the required safety, quality and efficacy standards, in line with the National Medicines Policy.

The group added that the government must put in place policies, taxes and a regulatory climate that encourage private sector investment in these areas.

“Currently, Malaysia imports pharmaceutical products in three categories: finished pharmaceutical products, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and pharmaceutical intermediates for local manufacture.

“As a result, the supply of pharmaceutical products is vulnerable following supply chain disruptions by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and restrictions as a result of Covid-19 in China.”

The coalition also suggested that MOH strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors through drug stock lending and drug use data sharing.

While MOH’s swift action to assist private healthcare facilities through drug stock loans by public healthcare facilities should be well received, cooperation between the public and private sectors should be encouraged to improve the delivery of healthcare services to patients, it said.

It said this collaboration requires transparent data sharing, especially regarding drug pricing and use.

It added that MOH must lead and coordinate the drug use data collection process to improve current drug procurement strategies and prioritise drug distribution to facilities with higher demand.

Earlier this month, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin admitted that the country was facing a drug shortage, namely over-the-counter medicines such as antibiotics, paediatric medications and cough syrups.

He said the shortage was mainly due to supply chain disruptions which had caused delays in shipment.

He said the low supply of paracetamol and vitamin C was mainly due to shortages in raw materials, disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the increase in demand following the recent Omicron wave. – June 27, 2022.