FOLLOWING a row over COVID-19 test kit price, the Malaysia Pharmacists Society (MPS) stated that it was not against price controls but was appalled over the lack of planning in implementing the move.
“We are not against price control. Our main issue here is the lack of planning in providing rebates to community pharmacists who have purchased stocks.
“Community pharmacist have bought COVID-19 test kits at the cost price of between RM22 and RM35, depending on the brand.
“And why isn’t anyone talking about the absence of a grace period, before the new pricing takes effect,” its president Amrahi Buang told FocusM.
Three days ago, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that his ministry is looking at capping COVID-19 rapid test kits at RM19.90 for retail and RM16 for wholesale.
“We will also be exploring bulk purchase options to drive the price down further & also look at providing free kits for B40 families,” the Rembau MP was reported saying.
However, his decision received mixed reaction from the public. While some have lauded it, others said that RM19.90 was still too pricy, given COVID-19 is now prevalent among the community which requires the public to get tested often.
A couple of days ago, MPS said that the price cap was too steep and sudden, as many have paid huge sums of money when purchasing from vendors.
Hence, they suggested few options to the Government to resolve the issue; one of which is to subsidise costs for community pharmacists, get suppliers to offer pharmacists rebates or allow them to return stock that was purchased at higher prices.
Elaborating on the matter, Amrahi said that the problem on COVID-19 test kit price would not have happened if the Government had imposed a ceiling price on it from the start of the pandemic.
He added that due to the negative perception thrown at community pharmacists, the public was of the opinion that they had profiteered from the previous sales COVID-19 test kit.
“MPS would like to stress that relevant ministries did not produce any guideline on the pricing of COVID-19 test kits in the past. Again, I must reiterate that we’re not against price control or any ministries. All we seek is fair treatment for relevant stakeholders.
“I urge the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) to mandate rebates since only five out of 15 main suppliers of the test kits have agreed to it. Besides, it has been established that previous cost price imposed by suppliers can be reduced further.
“And the prices of the self-test kits also must also be adjusted accordingly in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan,” Amrahi noted.
Pharmacists worried
On a related matter, the MPS leader said that during a town hall meeting yesterday participated by 650 pharmacists, many have voiced their concern over the rebate issue.
He added that some suppliers even asked for cash payments upfront before COVID-19 test kit stock gets sent to community pharmacists.
“The session was participated by several MPs such as Wong Chen (Subang), Oscar Ling Chai Yew (Sibu), Wong Hon Wai (Bukit Bendera), P Kasthuriraani (Batu Kawan) and Charles Santiago (Klang).
“Wong Chen emphatised with our situation in regards to the sudden decision to impose a price ceiling on COVID-19 test kits.
“However, he also said that the Government should provide the test kits free of charge,” Amrahi added.
He remarked: “Having said that, I urge Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Medical Devices Authority (MDA) and KPDNHEP to curb illegal online sales of self-test kits since the kits are medical devices assigned to community pharmacists.”- Sept 4, 2021
