Nation’s medicine security deserves equal attention

THE rising concern over food security has rightfully occupied our national discourse. However, another crucial aspect of our nation’s well-being deserves equal attention – medicine security.

The Covid-19 pandemic starkly highlighted the vulnerability of relying heavily on imported pharmaceuticals. It exposed the fragility of global supply chains and underscored the vital role a robust local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry plays in ensuring that Malaysians have access to affordable, quality medicines.

Currently, Malaysia imports over Rm10bil worth of pharmaceuticals annually. This dependence on external sources places us at the mercy of global fluctuations in price and availability, potentially jeopardising the health and well-being of the rakyat.

Fortunately, we possess the capacity to mitigate this risk. Our local pharmaceutical manufacturers have proven their ability to produce generic medicines that meet international standards, such as the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S).

It is time to empower these manufacturers to play a more significant role in our healthcare system. By encouraging and supporting local production of critical drugs, as identified by the National Essential Medicines List (NEML), we can ensure that at least one local supplier exists for each essential medication.

The NEML, adapted from the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline, consists of a list of locally registered medicines based on Malaysia’s national needs. Focusing on bolstering local production of these essential medications would enhance our medicine security, reduce our reliance on imports, and promote the growth of a vital domestic industry.

The government has already recognised the importance of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry by including it as a key sector under the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Investment Aspirations (NIA) framework. This is a positive step, but we must translate aspirations into concrete actions.

Investing in research and development, providing incentives for local manufacturers, and fostering collaboration between industry and academia are crucial steps in building a self-sufficient and resilient pharmaceutical sector.

Let us prioritise medicine security alongside food security to safeguard the health and welfare of all Malaysians.