THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called for strategic measures to bolster the country’s medicine security, citing global uncertainties triggered by the prolonged conflict in West Asia and its impact on the international economy.
While the Ministry of Health (MoH) has confirmed that Malaysia’s current medicine supply remains stable, MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo warned that relying solely on present stability is insufficient in today’s volatile global climate.
“To address these risks, we propose three key measures to fortify the healthcare system. Firstly, the establishment of strategic buffer stocks should prioritise medicines listed in the National Essential Medicines List (NEML), particularly for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases,” he said.
“Secondly, information regarding supply status must be shared more transparently and proactively with the private sector, including clinics and hospitals, to ensure continuity of patient care.
“And, thirdly, Malaysia should accelerate the development of local medicine production capacity in a structured and continuous manner as a long-term step toward national health sovereignty,” Dr Thirunavukarasu added.
The call follows recent initiatives by the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) aimed at safeguarding the supply of medicines and medical devices in response to the global energy crisis.
These measures, which include a special access pathway for critical supplies, centralised stock monitoring, and activation of emergency response plans, were described by the MMA as both timely and crucial.
The association also supports the development of a national medicine security policy through MyMedSecure and efforts to strengthen the domestic pharmaceutical industry.
MoH officials report no rising trends of supply disruption, noting that local manufacturers maintain sufficient stocks of raw materials and finished products to last several months.
While acknowledging this stability, the MMA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Health, MTEN, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure Malaysians continue to have uninterrupted access to essential treatments and medicines. - April 9, 2026
