KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 — Effective Wednesday (July 1), the Health Ministry (MOH) will enforce mandatory reporting by Product Registration Holders (PRHs) on any disruptions or discontinuation of medicine supply.
The mechanism is part of proactive measures to ensure stability and control of the country’s imported medicine supply chain, despite risks posed by conflicts in West Asia.
Under the mechanism, PRHs must submit early notification of potential supply disruptions at least six months before they are expected to occur, while immediate reporting is required if disruptions arise unexpectedly.
“The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency will publish this information in the Medicine Shortage and Discontinuation Database, which will be accessible to industry stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and the public," it said.
The MOH was responding via a written Parliamentary reply to Putatan MP Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who asked about measures to safeguard the supply chains of imported medicines and preparedness for pharmaceutical security in Sabah.
It added that mitigation measures have been introduced, including diversifying supply sources from alternative countries registered with the Drug Control Authority to reduce dependence on a single supplier.
Regarding medicine security in Sabah’s public healthcare services, the MOH said supply levels in the state remain stable and under control, despite unique logistical challenges posed by geographical factors.
To ensure continuity, it is focusing on strengthening inventory planning and stock availability at healthcare facilities, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
The ministry noted that efforts are also being made to enhance the Sabah state pharmaceutical logistics hub and distribution network to improve storage efficiency and the delivery of supplies to hospitals and clinics across the state.
The MOH also maintains contingency plans for critical medicines, including emergency distribution and stock mobilisation between facilities in the event of local shortages caused by weather conditions or transport disruptions.
