Following the current heated discussions and debates on the issue of dispensing separation, the Health Ministry clarified that the new Pharmacy Bill is under review with discussions being held with various parties, says Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. S. Subramaniam.

“The issues of concern which are still being studied under the new bill include options for the dispensing of medicines by both pharmacists and medical practitioners,” said Subramaniam in a statement to the media today.

He added discussions on the bill had been held with various stakeholders which included the Ministry of Health, Malaysian Medical Association as well as the Malaysia Medical Council Secretariat.

“Just yesterday, a discussion was held with relevant divisions within Ministry of Health, Malaysian Medical Association and Malaysia Medical Council Secretariat,” he said.

Subramaniam also added that several other discussions will also take place in the month of March.

"Discussions with the other doctor groups have been scheduled on March 4, consumer group on second week of March, other ministries and government agencies on the third week, Pharmacy Associations and academia the fourth week of March and a Town hall briefing date to be fixed in April, 2015,” he said.

WOULD YOU PREFER TO GET YOUR MEDICINES FROM A DOCTOR OR A PHARMACIST? TELL US BY CLICKING HERE.