THERE has been no significant disruption in the supply of medicines with the active ingredient paracetamol for fever and mild pains, vitamin C and as well as cough and cold medicine in the market, said a Health Ministry senior official said.

In a statement to clarify news reports on the alleged shortage of medicines, senior director of pharmaceutical services, Norhaliza A. Halim, said this was because most of the products have alternatives from various brands.

According to media reports, there is a shortage in the supply of pharmaceutical products involving medicines for treating fever, cold, cough and sore throat; antibiotics; painkillers; and medicines for treating hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) symptoms.

Norhaliza said there was a sharp increase in the demand for several medicines, such as products with the active ingredient paracetamol for fever and mild pains; vitamin C; as well as cough and cold medicine for children.

Elaborating, she said this was the feedback from pharmaceutical industry players during a meeting with the Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries (Mopi), Pharmaceutical Association of Malaysia (Phama) and Malaysia Association of Pharmaceutical Suppliers (Maps) yesterday.

“Manufacturers have also increased their production capacity to meet the increased demand,” she said.

Norhaliza added that the ministry was seeking feedback from the industry on the actual status of the supply of medicines produced in Malaysia or imported, as well as related issues. – Bernama, June 3, 2022.