Gov’t to create national buffer stock for medicines and devices
The government will establish a national strategic buffer stock to ensure the supply of medicines and medical devices remains secure following the global energy crisis caused by the conflict in West Asia.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said this medium to long-term measure is part of a more robust strategy that also includes transitioning from raw resin materials to polymers for certain products.
He added that other long-term initiatives involve developing a national medicine security policy through MyMedSecure and empowering the local pharmaceutical and medical device industry.
“The global energy crisis not only affects oil and logistics, but also the supply of medicines and medical devices,” Akmal Nasrullah said during a national briefing broadcast live on television.
He explained that supply chain disruptions can cause shortages of essential raw materials like active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), petroleum, and ethylene oxide gas, thereby raising manufacturing and delivery costs.
For the short term, the government will implement a Special Access Pathway to ensure the supply of critical medicines and devices.
Other immediate measures include centralised monitoring of medicine stocks, diversifying import sources, activating emergency response plans, and designating certain items as controlled goods.
All these actions were discussed and agreed upon at a meeting of the National Economic Action Council (NEAC).
Regarding the impact of the crisis on the upcoming haj pilgrimage, Akmal Nasrullah assured that the government would ensure the safety of all 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims this year.
He stated that amid the uncertain global situation, the government will continue to act in an organised and holistic manner to safeguard the people, secure national strategic supplies, and maintain economic resilience.
“Our focus is to manage its effects, reduce its risks and ensure the people can get through this challenging period as best as possible,” he concluded.
Source: Bernama
Category: MJN enews
