Mandatory price labelling for medicines at private clinics, pharmacies begins tomorrow

KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of mandatory price labelling for medicines at private healthcare centres and community pharmacies will begin tomorrow.

In a joint statement, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the initiative is a collaboration between the two ministries.

It aims to ensure the public can make informed choices by knowing, comparing, and selecting the best prices when managing their medication expenses.

“This initiative is being introduced in line with the Madani Government’s commitment to promoting price transparency through the Medicine Price Transparency Mechanism (MKHU).

“It will be enforced under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Medicines) Order 2025, pursuant to the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723),” they said.

The price labelling requirement applies to all medicines for human use, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, traditional remedies, health supplements, and extemporaneous preparations. It covers all private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies regulated under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 [Act 586] that sell, supply, or administer medicines.

The ministers said that prices must be displayed either on the product itself (through a price tag or label) or via a price list for medicines that are not openly displayed or are stored behind the counter.

“This price list can be presented physically at the healthcare facility in the form of a catalogue, notice board, or electronic screen,” they said.

During the first three months of implementation, a phased educational enforcement approach will be adopted. Inspections will also be conducted from time to time with an emphasis on advocacy to encourage compliance.

According to the Health Ministry’s Frequently Asked Questions, medicine price lists may include images of the medicines but should not show indications or usage information.

Additionally, LED banners or digital scrolling message boards are deemed unsuitable for displaying medicine prices to consumers.

Medicine prices must be displayed in a physical format that is clearly visible and accessible to patients or consumers without the use of personal devices.

“Displaying medicine prices using QR codes or online platforms may be provided as an additional option, but it cannot replace the physical price list,” the ministry said.

Further information is available via the Pharmacy Services Programme’s official portal at www.pharmacy.gov.my.

Last month, Dzulkefly announced that a moratorium had been granted until May 1 for private general practitioners to begin displaying medicine prices in their clinics.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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