The government will fund free Ubat Melalui Pos medicine deliveries from Oct 1, benefiting about 87,000 patients a month through the MyUBAT app.
PETALING JAYA: About 87,000 patients a month will have their follow-up medication delivered free of charge under the Ubat Melalui Pos (UMP) service from Oct 1, with delivery charges covered by a RM5 million government allocation.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the initiative was in line with the Health Ministry’s (MOH) efforts to make healthcare services more accessible, user-friendly and centred on patients’ needs.
“In addressing the challenges of the current healthcare landscape, MOH is no longer focused solely on treating patients at hospitals or clinics, but also on ensuring that healthcare delivery remains centred around the people, or patient-centred care,” he said at the launch of the UMP financing initiative today.
He said MOH had continued to expand its Pharmacy Value-Added Services (VAS), giving patients more options for obtaining their follow-up medication without having to make repeated visits to healthcare facilities.
The services began with the Integrated Drug Dispensing System (SPUB) in 2003, followed by Drive-Through Pharmacy Services in 2008, UMP in 2011, Medication Lockers in 2014, the Local Follow-Up Medication Supply Centre (PPUSS) in 2015 and Follow-Up Medication Supply through Third Parties (UM3) in 2021.
Dzulkefly said MOH also introduced the MyUBAT application in 2021 as part of its digital transformation efforts, allowing patients to register and apply for follow-up medication supplies online.
“To date, MyUBAT has nearly 893,000 registered users, with more than six million medication supply appointments managed through the platform,” he said.
He said the UMP service allowed follow-up medication to be delivered via Pos Laju from MOH pharmacy units directly to destinations chosen by patients, including their homes or workplaces.
“Patients no longer need to take leave, travel long distances or queue for extended periods at clinics and hospitals,” he said.
He added that the service could also reduce the logistical and financial burden on patients and their families, particularly senior citizens, working individuals and those facing difficulties travelling to healthcare facilities.
Dzulkefly said timely delivery of medication could also support treatment adherence and reduce congestion in pharmacy waiting areas.
He said MOH welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to finance UMP delivery charges through a one-off RM5 million allocation provided by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
The financing will cover medication packages processed from Oct 1, 2026, and is limited to Malaysian citizens who apply for the service through the MyUBAT application.
It will continue until the maximum total claim of RM5 million is reached.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Communications Ministry, through MCMC, and MOH, with Pos Malaysia Bhd responsible for delivering the medication.
Dzulkefly said the initiative demonstrated how cooperation between ministries and agencies could translate into direct benefits for the public.
“Ultimately, what we seek to achieve is clear, to ensure that healthcare services are not only available, but also easier to access, more people-friendly and more responsive to patients’ needs,” he said.
