LETTERS: The rising concern about food security has rightfully occupied the national discourse.
Equally important is medical security, another crucial aspect that ensures our nation's wellbeing.
The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of relying on imported pharmaceuticals.
It exposed the fragility of global supply chains and underscored the vital role a robust local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry provides.
Malaysia imports over RM10 billion worth of pharmaceuticals annually.
This dependence on external sources places us at the mercy of global fluctuations in price and availability, potentially jeopardising the people's health and wellbeing.
Fortunately, we possess the capacity to mitigate this risk. Our local pharmaceutical manufacturers have proven their ability to produce generic medicines that meet international standards, such as the Pharmaceutical Inspection Cooperation Scheme (PICS).
It is time to empower these manufacturers to play a more significant role in our healthcare system.
By encouraging and supporting local production of critical drugs, as identified by the National Essential Medicines List (NEML), we can ensure at least one local supplier exists for each essential medication.
The NEML, adapted under World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, consists of a list of locally registered medicines based on the country's national needs.
Focusing on bolstering local production of these essential medications will bolster our medicine security, reduce our reliance on imports and promote the growth of a vital domestic industry.
The government has already recognised the importance of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry by including it as a key sector under the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Investment Aspirations (NIA) framework.
This is a positive step, but we must translate aspirations into action.
Investing in research and development, providing incentives for local manufacturers, and fostering collaboration between industry and academia are crucial steps in building a self-sufficient and resilient pharmaceutical sector.
Let us prioritise medical security alongside food to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all Malaysians.
SHARVIN A. SUBRAMANIAM
Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
