Private clinics in Malaysia are reportedly charging considerably more for common and long-term medications compared to community pharmacies, with price differences ranging from 23% to 75%. 

A recent survey by Berita Harian revealed that patients are paying significantly higher amounts at clinics for basic medications that are widely available at lower prices elsewhere. For instance, a single 500 milligram paracetamol tablet costs around RM1 at many private clinics, while some pharmacies offer the same dosage for as little as 25 sen. 

The cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin, in its 20 milligram formulation, is sold at RM160 for a box of 30 tablets at clinics, compared to RM122 at pharmacies. In the case of anti-allergy medication, a 4 milligram tablet that is priced at RM1 at clinics can be obtained for just 30 sen at a pharmacy.

Dr Boi Saidi B Abd Razak, who serves as President of the Islamic Doctors Organisation of Malaysia, attributed the disparity in prices to the differences in how clinics and pharmacies source their medications. Pharmacies typically purchase medicines in large volumes, allowing them to secure better deals from suppliers. 

On the other hand, private clinics tend to make smaller, more frequent purchases, which results in higher costs per unit. He explained that clinics also have to manage numerous other expenses, including premises rental, employee salaries, utility bills, signage licences, and compulsory medical education to maintain professional accreditation. These overheads, he said, are among the reasons why the final price of medicine is higher in clinical settings. Nevertheless, he argued that the price difference is not as excessive as some may claim.

From 1 May, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living have begun enforcing a new directive under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Medicine Price Labelling) Order 2025. This regulation requires private clinics to publicly display the prices of medicines they provide. The government has indicated that no penalties will be imposed during the initial three-month advocacy period, which is intended to give clinics time to comply.

The new rule has sparked resistance from healthcare professionals, including general practitioners and the Malaysian Medical Association. According to Dr Boi Saidi, the Islamic Doctors Organisation of Malaysia, along with several other health-focused non-governmental organisations, oppose the measure. They argue that it creates confusion and administrative complications, particularly because it overlaps with two existing laws that already govern private healthcare services. 

He criticised the involvement of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living in medical pricing matters, calling it inappropriate and unnecessary. Malaysia, he noted, does not currently have a formal price control mechanism for medicines, and the enforcement of this regulation could lead to legal uncertainties and overlapping responsibilities between government bodies.

Dr Boi Saidi also expressed concern that clinics could be penalised for relatively minor infractions without sufficient discretion being exercised by enforcement officers. He highlighted the absence of a regulatory framework for insurance companies, third-party administrators, and managed care organisations, and suggested that control over medicine pricing should remain within the purview of medical practitioners. 

He said that requiring clinics to list medication prices is unlikely to help patients understand the real cost of medical treatment, as it does not take into account the broader context of consultation fees, diagnostics, and other healthcare services that are bundled together during a clinic visit.

(Source: NST, Berita Harian)

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• Dr Boi Saidi B Abd Razak
• Medical treatment
• Medication
• Medicine Prices
• Medicines
• Prices
• Private Clinics