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Drug shortage may cause prices hike, pharmacist tells govt to monitor prices

19 Jul 2022 08:00am
Some pharmacists have complained over the shortage of fever and flu medicines- Photo from 123
Some pharmacists have complained over the shortage of fever and flu medicines- Photo from 123
SHAH ALAM - Putrajaya has been told to take steps to control the prices of medicines to avoid profiteering as the country faces a shortage of certain drugs.

Amrahi Buang, president of the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society said the health ministry and Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs ministry should monitor prices of fever, flu and antibiotics.

He told Sinar Harian that the government needs to look at the shortage seriously as it is almost as serious as food security. “The government needs to address the lack of supply as it impacts the people," he said, adding that the shortage in supply was first noticed in October last year.

He said the shortage is expected to continue till Covid-19 is under control. Another reason is the increase in influenza-like illness (ILI) which is one of the main contributors to the shortage of drug supply.

He urged all parties to cooperate and to look for a solution and to ensure no one stocks the medicines for profits, further urging the public to buy only what is needed to reduce wastage.
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Yesterday, Sinar Harian reported that it had conducted a survey that saw pharmacists raising concerns over the shortage of drugs, especially panadol.

drug shortage
medicines
influenza
prices
Covid 19
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