In Malaysia the practice of medical practitioners dispensing prescribed medicines is ingrained. For many years the Pharmacy profession has been trying to explain the important role of pharmacists to politicians, the public and medical practitioners.
The Consumers Association of Penang has joined the campaign with an open letter in Malaysiakini, June 16, 2016, challenging doctor’s resistance and the Health Ministry’s ‘bizarre stand’ on the issue. They do not support dispensing separation.
Sm Mohamed Idris on behalf of the Consumer Association of Penang says
‘It’s time the Health Ministry took the bull by the horns to separate the roles of prescribing and dispensing in the interest of consumers and patients. As custodians of public health it is their duty to do so.’