The Ministry of Health (MOH) has assured Malaysians that the vast majority of medicines in the country remain readily available, despite a small number of products being placed under close monitoring due to supply chain concerns.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said that as of May 8, 505 out of 702 types of medicines monitored by the ministry were classified as low risk, with stock levels exceeding 90 days.
According to the ministry, the monitoring system tracks 702 medicine types involving 3,739 registered pharmaceutical products through monthly reports submitted by product registration holders.
“Of the total medicines monitored, 72 per cent have stock levels exceeding 90 days and are categorised as low risk,” Dzulkefly said in a statement.
The clarification comes after concerns were raised regarding medicine inventories in the public healthcare system. However, the minister stressed that more than 70 per cent of medicine supplies remain above the three-month threshold, ensuring that healthcare facilities continue to operate without disruption.
Meanwhile, 79 medicine types, or 11.3 per cent, were classified as moderate risk with stock levels ranging between 60 and 90 days. Another 118 medicine types, representing 16.8 per cent, were categorised as high risk due to supplies falling below 60 days.
These medicines span several critical treatment areas, including antibiotics, cancer medications, vaccines, antidotes, psychiatric drugs and cardiovascular treatments. The ministry is closely monitoring these products alongside industry players and suppliers to prevent shortages.
Despite the higher-risk classification, Dzulkefly revealed that only 14 of the 118 medicine types are considered critical due to factors such as having a single product registration holder or requiring more than a month for replenishment.
Among the critical medicines being monitored are Fluorouracil for cancer treatment, Methylene Blue used in diagnostic procedures, the antibiotic Linezolid and Coal Tar Solution for psoriasis treatment.
The minister noted that checks conducted with MOH healthcare facilities and concession companies found that 13 of the 14 critical medicines still have stock levels exceeding 90 days within ministry facilities.
The remaining item, Carbinoxamine Maleate/Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride, is not listed under the MOH Drug Formulary, meaning patient treatment at government healthcare facilities remains unaffected.
Dzulkefly added that replenishment plans are already in place, with additional shipments of critical medicines scheduled to arrive between June and September this year.
He also assured that continuous monitoring is being carried out with industry stakeholders, suppliers and healthcare facilities to identify and address any potential supply disruptions before they impact patients.
