KUALA LUMPUR: The demand for paracetamol has doubled due to the Covid-19 Omicron wave, with the price of its raw materials increasing more than 100 per cent.
This was based on the initial feedback received from the Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries (Mopi), said the Health Ministry's Pharmaceutical Services senior director, Norhaliza A. Halim, on Tuesday.
She said Mopi, however, stated that its members were committed to stepping up the production of paracetamol to support local demand.
Norhaliza said according to the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), stocks of paracetamol tablets, oral suspension and syrup were available, based on feedback from the main suppliers of paracetamol in the local market: GlaxoSmithKline, Duopharma and Idaman Pharma. "These companies have confirmed that the entry of new stocks is ongoing.
"NPRA is also gathering information from other product registration holders for paracetamol registered with the agency."
It was reported that paracetamol, a drug used to relieve fever and headaches, was difficult to obtain at pharmacies and convenience stores in the city.
Based on checks at pharmacies, shelves displaying the drug, especially a leading brand, were empty, probably due to the high demand during the spike in Covid-19 cases.
On whether the ministry's healthcare facilities were facing a similar situation, she said: "Currently, there is no shortage in terms of supply to the Health Ministry's facilities.
"(And) the supplier has confirmed the entry of stocks weekly to cover the demand for health facilities in the country."