KUALA LUMPUR: The federal government today said it will not tolerate any forms of price fixing and anti-competition practices, including through the appointment of agents or middlemen, which may lead to increased prices of medicines at healthcare facilities under the Health Ministry.
In a statement today, the ministry said it views seriously the practices of some companies that offer higher prices to the government compared to the private sector for certain medicine products.
"The ministry is firm and will not tolerate elements of price collusion, anti-competition, or any practices, including through the appointment of agents or middlemen, that could compromise the management of drug procurement.
"This could result in the government not obtaining the best value and contributing to increased drug procurement costs.
"The ministry takes seriously the practices of some companies that offer higher prices to the government compared to the private sector for certain pharmaceutical products, including sole product registration holders registered with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Division," the statement said.
The ministry also said a study is being conducted on the effectiveness of its medicine procurement system.
"All stakeholders are invited to submit any improvement suggestions towards more open competition and to support the growth of the local pharmaceutical industry."