Kuala lumpur: The supply of medicines in the country is expected to remain stable at least until the end of June, and the public has been advised against panic buying or stockpiling for long-term use. Senior Principal Assistant Director of the Pharmacy Logistics Management Branch, Pharmacy Practice and Development Division of the Ministry of Health (MOH), Muhammad Md Zin, emphasized that medicine stocks at government healthcare facilities are continuously monitored to ensure uninterrupted supply to patients.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Muhammad highlighted the impracticality of excessive stockpiling due to the expiry dates and specific storage conditions required for medicines. He cautioned that keeping excessive supplies increases the risk of using damaged or expired medicines, which can be harmful to health. He recommended managing medication wisely, avoiding bulk purchases, and seeking advice from healthcare professionals such as doctors or pharmacists.
Muhammad shared these insights during his appearance on the Apa Khabar Malaysia programme, broadcast live on Bernama TV, where he discussed the impact of the global energy crisis on domestic medicine supply. He also advised patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus not to alter or ration their prescribed medication without professional guidance. He underscored that any adjustments to medication must be made in consultation with medical experts to avoid health risks.
Furthermore, Muhammad warned against purchasing medicines indiscriminately, especially through online platforms, without verifying their authenticity and registration with the Ministry of Health. He informed consumers that they could check the legitimacy of medicines through the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency website or by consulting healthcare professionals. He added that buying medicines without a prescription also carries the risk of incorrect dosage, which can be dangerous.