Ministry of Health: Drug supply stable, sufficient to treat HFMD surge

Deputy Health Minister I Datuk, Dr. Noor Azmi Ghazali, said on Wednesday that HMFD cases had increased 28 times compared to the same period last year. — Photo by Sayuti Zainudin

By Zarah Morden

Friday 03 June 2022 11:57 MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 – Malaysia’s supply of pharmaceuticals was adequate and able to meet the surge in demand due to hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) cases, the Ministry of Health said ( MoH).

In response to reports of shortages of drugs used for HFMD and others used for common conditions, the ministry said any apparent shortages were limited to specific brands rather than classes of drugs.

“At present, there are no products with supply problems because there are many other products that can be used as alternatives of other brands with the same indications.

“Manufacturers have also increased their production capacity to meet the high demand,” Norhaliza A. Halim, the ministry’s senior director of pharmaceutical services, said in a statement.

She said the ministry yesterday met with pharmaceutical industry players such as the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Industries Organization (MOPI), Pharmaceutical Association of Malaysia (PhAMA) and Malaysian Pharmaceutical Suppliers Association (MAPS) through through the Pharmacy Services Program.

Feedback received indicated that demand has increased for products containing paracetamol as an active ingredient, vitamin C as well as children’s cough and flu medicines.

Deputy Health Minister I Datuk, Dr. Noor Azmi Ghazali, said on Wednesday that HMFD cases had increased 28 times compared to the same period last year.

Children under the age of six are the most vulnerable age group to HMFD, which has led to the closure of preschools and nurseries in some areas.