KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) has taken issue with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) over its failure to consult industry stakeholders over the ceiling price of Covid-19 self-test kits.
In a statement today, MPS reiterated its support for price controls for such products, which was communicated to minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi in an August 18 meeting.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Malaysian Medical Association, along with 19 big chain community pharmacies, but ceiling prices for these products were not discussed.
“It is rather unprofessional on the part of KPDNHEP to claim otherwise that it is capping the price at RM19.90 after receiving positive feedback from industry stakeholders,” MPS president Amrahi Buang said.
Amrahi said the cost price for the self-test kits range from between RM22 and RM32, higher than the capped price of RM19.90.
In light of this, MPS is calling on the minister to subsidise the costs for community pharmacies.
“Alternatively, he should also call upon suppliers to provide rebates for pharmacies.
“As a Sarawakian, the minister should know that the logistics cost price for self-test kits to be sent to Borneo remains high,” he said.
Also, because the announcement of the ceiling price by the ministry came so abruptly, it will be hard for pharmacies to clear stocks with the old prices, MPS said.
“The society is asking why the ministry refrained from giving a grace period to industry players.
“In the absence of a grace period (which is too late to implement), the KPDNHEP must allow pharmacies to return stock that was purchased at higher prices or get suppliers to subsidise the cost.
“The announcement by KPDNHEP is reminiscent of its announcement made over the price control for face masks.
“It has been done haphazardly without planning and in the absence of due notice to stakeholders,” he added.
It is learnt that the announcement of the RM19.90 price cap for the Covid-19 self-test kits have also infuriated general practitioners (GPs) in the medical field.
Many GPs expressed their frustration that the present stock of self-test kits were purchased from wholesalers at prices above RM20.
“Are we supposed to sell them for losses now? Why do newly appointed ministers come up with decisions without prior consultation from stakeholders such as us?
“For the sake of quick popularity among the populace, they reduce the price. To them, all GPs are well-off rich folk driving expensive cars.
“Monies just drop from the sky for us I suppose, unlike everybody else. We don’t have bills to pay, mouths to feed right?” said a GP who chose to remain anonymous.
The GP told The Vibes that, while the decision would be beneficial for the people, consultation with stakeholders is crucial as GPs and pharmacists have bought the products above the current price cap.
“So, those who bought the test kits up to today will be selling at a loss.
“They love to come up with such decisions in a hurry without regard for the consequences,” the doctor added.
Earlier today, KPDNHEP announced the capping of Covid-19 self-test kit prices beginning Sunday.
In a statement, the ministry said the products will have a retail ceiling price of RM19.90, while wholesale prices are capped at RM16.
The statement, jointly signed by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Domestic Trade Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said the maximum prices were fixed to ensure the public is able to afford the kits.
The new prices are considerably lower than the current retail price range of between RM28 and RM41. – The Vibes, September 2, 2021
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