Free medicine scheme to stay, says minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Cancer and rare disease patients covered by the Patient Access Scheme (PASc) will continue to have access to free medication amid a ministry’s review, said the Health Minister.

Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the patients do not have to worry that they will have to buy their medication because the status quo remains.

“The existing 16 programmes by pharmaceutical companies supplying medicines to public hospitals under the PASc will continue without disruption.

“The ministry’s review is only to improve the system. At this time, the ministry does not have a say because the provision is directly between the pharmaceutical companies and the hospitals involved,” he said at a press conference in Parliament yesterday.

The PASc, which essentially supplies medication for patients of cancer and rare diseases to hospitals for free, is currently being reviewed as the ministry’s pharmacy practice and development division is seeking the National Audit Department’s views on hospital staff accepting free gifts, such as a bonus, upon procurement of medication.

Dr Dzulkefly said two new applications had been received from pharmaceutical companies to supply free medication under the scheme, adding that they would be processed accordingly as long as the provision does not come with “extra fittings” for the hospital staff.

“A guideline must be in place for the scheme, which outlines the application, processing, control and monitoring processes.

“A committee which includes the relevant departments in the ministry should be set up to evaluate and decide on applications in a more transparent process.

“Ultimately, patient care is the most important thing, especially for critical care. There should be no delays,” he added.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham said the PASc was a scheme offered by pharmaceutical companies to the Health Ministry to improve on drug access to patients especially on expensive medication.