Drug price display law not to disrupt GP operations, says health ministry
April 23, 2025
PETALING JAYA: The health ministry has assured that the use of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 to mandate drug price displays is not to disrupt the operations of private general practitioners (GPs), but to promote transparency and affordability in healthcare.
Bernama reported it as saying today that the law is part of efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system.
“The health ministry remains committed to an open and inclusive approach.
“Engagement sessions with all stakeholders have been held and will continue to ensure balanced implementation that does not unduly burden any party,” said the ministry.
This clarification came after more than 300 GPs, dressed in black, staged a peaceful protest near the prime minister’s office in Putrajaya this morning.
The two-hour demonstration culminated in the submission of a memorandum opposing the Act’s enforcement upon the medical profession. It was received by the prime minister’s senior private secretary, Aznur Hafeez Kaswuri.
Among other demands, the doctors proposed that the regulation of medical practice remain under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, which they argue already provides sufficient oversight.
Representatives from several professional bodies took part in the protest, including the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia, the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia and the Malaysian Private Dental Practitioners’ Association.
The ministry said it is open to reviewing the memorandum’s contents and considering improvements to current policies based on evidence and data, but stressed that public access to affordable medicine remains a key priority.
The drug price display order, enforced under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drug) Order 2025, came into effect on May 1 in a joint effort by the health and domestic trade and cost of living ministries.
