Its president, Amrahi Buang, said the society was aligned with the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) in calling for a moratorium on the policy until issues with the fee cap under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 are resolved.
In a statement today, Amrahi said the long-standing fee cap, under Schedule 7 of the Act, has not been revised in over two decades, and its resolution must be prioritised before additional regulatory burdens are imposed.
He also said the government should extend the same moratorium to independent community pharmacies, which face significant implementation and digitalisation costs.
“Unlike large pharmacy chains, independent pharmacies may struggle to absorb these costs, potentially affecting their sustainability and ability to serve patients effectively,” he said.
Last week, the MMA called for the government to delay the implementation of mandatory price displays until key issues affecting private general practitioners are resolved.
Its remarks came despite the health ministry maintaining that private healthcare facilities must display medicine prices starting this year under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
The move has largely been opposed by MMA and the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations, Malaysia.
Amrahi said the government should consider introducing incentives to encourage compliance with the proposed implementation of mandatory price displays.
He said this approach acknowledges the effort involved while encouraging adherence to the new policy.
“Recognising the financial and administrative burden of compliance, MPS proposes that tax relief or other incentives be provided to healthcare professionals and pharmacies that successfully implement price transparency measures,” he said.
He also said mandatory price displays should not be limited to healthcare professionals but should extend to wholesalers and manufacturers as well.
“A holistic approach ensures that transparency is achieved at all levels of the supply chain, preventing undue burden on pharmacies and private healthcare providers,” he said.