Local pharmaceutical firm Duopharma Biotech Bhd (DBB), formerly known as CCM Pharmaceuticals Sdn Bhd, supplier of human insulin to the Health Ministry (MoH) admits Pharmaniaga Bhd’s presence in the medicine supply chain as crucial.

It said Pharmaniaga has the ability to ensure continuity supply of drugs’ given its accessibility throughout Malaysia including remote areas. Its wide network also helps fulfil the end-mile delivery.

CGS-CIMB Research in a research note dated Oct 17 said the government under Budget 2020 intends to centralise the tender and procurement of RM500 million worth of medicines across the MoH, Defence Ministry and university hospitals.

This makes up less than 20% of MoH’s expenditure for pharmaceuticals and may not affect the approved product purchase list (APPL) channel.

As of to date, no new bids had yet to be called for, at least for the next cycle.

Source: LinkedIn Azlan Abu Bakar