THE inter-ministerial committee to study allegations that politically connected companies are enjoying a monopoly over medicinal supplies will meet next week to “iron out our own policies” before meeting external stakeholders, said Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said the matter was discussed in a cabinet meeting yesterday and that Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali had set the meeting for next week.

“I don’t want to be presumptious, but we have to iron out our own policies first,” Dzulkefly said today on the sidelines of the Health Forum 2018 in Kuala Lumpur.

“As you know, it involves some very touchy Bumiputera policies,” he said.

The cabinet committee is chaired by Azmin and includes Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Agriculture Minister Salahuddin Ayub.

Dzulkefly had also said a comprehensive study was needed to solve the monopoly issue, with the priority being a solution that will avoid an increase in cost for consumers.

Following the end of Barisan Nasional rule, reports had surfaced that companies owned by politicians from the previous administration had been enjoying a monopoly to supply drugs to the ministry.

According to the reports, the monopolies had led to an increase in the cost of medicines supplied to government hospitals and clinics nationwide. – July 5, 2018.