Issue Paper With Reasoned Objections To Drug Price Display Order Gps Told

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 The Malaysian Consumer and Family Economics Association says reactions from the doctors so far have been disappointing.
The medicine price display order under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 came into effect today. (Freepik pic)PETALING JAYA: A consumers’ group has called on general practitioners to collectively issue a paper stating their stance on the drug price display order, accusing them of failing to give “solid and scientific justifications” for their opposition to the matter
In a statement today, Malaysian Consumer and Family Economics Association (Macfea) exco member Nuradli Ridzwan Shah Dali said the reactions of GPs to the order had been disappointing and failed to reflect the level of professionalism expected of them.
“As front-liners in the nation’s healthcare system, GPs should take an approach based on facts, studies and scientific explanations.
“All concerns – such as (the order’s) effect on the private clinic business model, variations in logistical and procurement costs, and differences in medical formulations – should be delivered transparently in a manner that can convince the ministries and Malaysians.”
Noradli said a collectively issued paper on the matter would strengthen the public’s trust in the Malaysian private healthcare system.
“We believe private healthcare practitioners can come forward with reasoned and ethical arguments, not only to defend the interests of the private healthcare community but also for the sake of consumer rights nationwide.”
The medicine price display order under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 came into effect today.
Contravention of the order is punishable with a maximum RM50,000 fine for a person and a fine of up to RM100,000 for corporate bodies.
It was reported yesterday that GPs will march from the health ministry’s headquarters to the Prime Minister’s Office in protest of the mandatory display of drug prices.
The protest, organised by the Malaysian Medical Association’s private general medical practitioners section, will be held on Tuesday, with doctors to gather outside the health ministry’s office in Putrajaya at 10am.
MMA has slammed Putrajaya for going ahead with the enforcement of the mandatory drug price display rule, particularly for failing to consult GPs and implementing the policy under a non-medical law. - FMT

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