Doctors gather to protest display of drug prices rule

HUNDREDS of doctors and medical practitioners gathered peacefully at Laman Perdana near the Perdana Putra Building to protest the implementation of regulations mandating the display of drug prices at private clinics and pharmacies.

The group, which consists of doctors, private general practitioners and representatives of several non-governmental associations (NGOs) related to medical practitioners, is expected to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) regarding the rule.

All of them, dressed in black and holding placards and banners, began gathering at around 9.30am today.

They had earlier planned to march from the health ministry’s headquarters to the PMO, but it is understood that they decided to gather at Perdana Putra directly as some participants are elderly.

The placards included the words 'GPs support transparency in drug prices. Reject Act 723', 'Health Matters Must Remain with Health Professionals' and 'Healthcare Inflation is Everyone's Responsibility'.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) in a statement said the memorandum to PMO is to voice the concerns and challenges faced by private clinics following the government's decision.

According to them, the application of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 or Act 723 on the medical profession is considered inappropriate because it is not a health-related law and could have a negative impact on the delivery of primary healthcare. – May 6, 2025