In seeking to allay any concerns on the alternative treatments, Dzulkefly said doctors would ensure patient health and safety were not compromised.
“Don’t be alarmed. Even if certain medications are unavailable, alternatives will be provided to ensure that patients receive the treatment they need. The most important thing is they will not go home without medication.
“Even if certain medications cannot be prescribed, such as oral hypoglycemics, other alternatives like analogues or inhibitors will be made available to the patients,” he told reporters after the launch of the MyGenom project at the National Institutes of Health here.
Dzulkefly also said if any particular healthcare facility experienced an insulin shortage, supplies from surrounding clinics and hospitals would be mobilised to meet the needs of patients.
He reiterated that the government had already taken steps to secure an additional supply of human insulin, with fast-tracked approvals expected by December.
Dzulkefly was responding to the Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) concerns over possible worsening health outcomes from the alternative treatments.
MMA president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz had said patients with complex health conditions, including pregnant women, those with Type 1 diabetes and kidney failure, were particularly vulnerable and needed to be monitored closely.
Meanwhile, Dzulkefly and science, technology and innovation minister Chang Lih Kang launched the MyGenom project today, aimed at sequencing the genomes of Malaysia’s diverse population.
Chang said the project sought to enhance the country’s capacity for personalised medicine and public health strategy by establishing a comprehensive genetic baseline.
“By providing a detailed map of the genetic diversity within Malaysia, the project will enable more precise and effective healthcare interventions. Personalised medicine, which relies heavily on understanding individual genetic profiles, will benefit greatly from this initiative.
“Additionally, the data collected could lead to breakthroughs in understanding genetic factors that contribute to health and disease, not only in Malaysia but across the world,” he said.
Chang said the project will be implemented in phases, starting with the sequencing of 2,400 genomes, with a long-term goal of sequencing 10,000 genomes.