Friday 29 Mar 2024
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KUALA LUMPUR (Mar 18): PKR will reject any move by Putrajaya to implement a separation on dispensing medicine, following the proposal by pharmaceutical groups that dispensing be left to pharmacists, amid fears that it will further burden patients.

Dr Azman Ismail, the opposition party’s health and science bureau chief and Kuala Kedah MP, said the present system where doctors were allowed to dispense medicine should be retained.

"We categorically reject any proposals to separate dispensing medicine. The present system is convenient, serving as a one-stop 24 hours centre to see a doctor and get their medicine at the same place," he said at the Parliament lobby today.

Meanwhile, Sungai Siput MP Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj said having separate dispensing will be an inconvenience to those who stay in rural areas where pharmacies might not open late at night or located far away.

He suggested that patients be given the choice of obtaining their medication either from their doctors or pharmacists, with doctors to issue prescriptions to every patient.

Under the proposed dispensing separation scheme, only pharmacies will be allowed to dispense medicine, mirroring the healthcare services practised by developed countries such as the United Kingdom.

Doctors will diagnose and prescribe the medicine needed, and patients will have to get their medicines at pharmacies.

Medical professionals are objecting to the proposal.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam yesterday told Parliament that Putrajaya has yet to decide on the matter, assuring that the ministry will not make any decision that will burden the public.

 

 

 

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