The ministry acknowledged that there was a shortage of certain influenza medicines in the market this week, based on information from its product registration holders.
This shortage was due to a sudden sharp increase in demand for these medications following a regional rise in influenza cases.
The health ministry said nine antiviral products were registered with the Drug Control Authority, of which eight contained oseltamivir and one contained baloxavir.
“Four antiviral products containing oseltamivir, including one in suspension form, are locally-manufactured,” it said in a statement to FMT.
“Local production has already been increased to respond to this surge in demand, ensuring that supply can be quickly stabilised when demand fluctuates.
“Supply is expected to improve progressively from November onwards as additional local and imported stocks arrive.”
The ministry also said the supply of influenza vaccines remained stable and sufficient to meet national demand until February, and that no shortages have been reported so far.
On Tuesday, Harian Metro reported that several pharmacies across the Klang Valley had run out of influenza medications for the past two weeks following a spike in cases.
A pharmacist reportedly said they had run out of oseltamivir-type medication, available in syrup form for children and in tablet form for adults.
The health ministry said its facilities usually maintain three months’ worth of drugs in stock, taking into account local demand, delivery time, storage capacity and dispensing volumes.
In times of increased demand, such as a surge in influenza cases, it said medicine may be mobilised between facilities to ensure continuity of care.
“If a supply disruption occurs, concession companies supplying public health facilities are required to source from alternative suppliers to minimise the impact and restore availability within the shortest time possible.
“For the private sector, the ministry does not control supply directly, but works closely with product registration holders and distributors to monitor stock levels and obtain the most accurate updates on replenishment timelines,” it added.
The ministry added that concession companies supplying government facilities are required to maintain a buffer stock of at least two months.