June 3, 2022 11:32 AM
PETALING JAYA: The health ministry has clarified that pharmaceutical products are not experiencing a shortage as there are alternative medicines and brands in the market which offer the same results.
It said manufacturers have also increased their production capacity to fulfill the increased demand.
According to industry players, the increased demand was for several medicines such as paracetamol (used for fevers and mild pains) and vitamin C, and also cough and flu medicines for children.
“The health ministry is waiting for further response from the industry regarding the actual supply status of medicines produced in Malaysia and those imported, along with related issues,” it said in a statement today.
Yesterday, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) advised the public against panic buying of medicines in light of the recent shortage of certain medications in the market.
MMA president Dr Koh Kar Chai said the local industry had trouble meeting the demand because of the lack of raw materials and insufficient production capacity.
However, he said, they have placed increased product orders from overseas manufacturers.
MMA said it hoped to see a correction in the supply and demand of such medicines in the market soon.
