Malaysia’s health ministry is strengthening buffer stocks and diversifying sources to secure medicine and medical device supplies during the global energy crisis
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health is actively boosting measures to secure the supply of medicines and medical devices following the current global energy crisis.
In a statement, the ministry said it is strengthening buffer stocks and diversifying supply sources.
It is also continuously monitoring raw materials and the supply chain with industry players to identify and address disruption risks earlier.
“This crisis has affected the global supply chain, including medicines and medical devices,” said MOH.
The ministry stated the situation has impacted delivery and created instability in accessing several critical imported medical devices for high-risk categories.
It added that the situation has affected suppliers’ ability to meet contractual obligations.
The crisis also potentially affects the continuity of health service delivery if not addressed immediately.
Supply management is being implemented prudently through distribution based on clinical needs and rational use.
This is apart from preparing alternative clinical treatment plans and facilitating regulatory processes to ensure continued medicine access.
MOH has also implemented special access pathways and activated emergency response plans.
Other measures include the determination of control items and expanding the use of e-Labelling for medical devices.
Medium and long-term focus is given to strengthening supply resilience through transitioning from resin materials to polymers.
The ministry is also implementing Unique Device Identification and developing the local medical device industry.
“For medicines, the development of a medicine supply security policy through the MyMedSecure initiative, strengthening local production, digitalisation of the supply chain and the creation of a national strategic buffer stock,” said MOH.
