KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) has cried foul over the sudden imposition of a ceiling price for the Covid-19 rapid antigen self-testing kits, which would be capped at RM19.90 come Sunday.
MPS president Amrahi Buang said the decision by the government was a unilateral one and wasn't discussed in their latest meeting with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry on Aug 18.
"The actual ceiling price for self-test kits was not discussed with the industry stakeholders. It is rather unprofessional on the part of the ministry to claim otherwise and that it is capping the price at RM19.90 after receiving positive feedback from the industry stakeholders," he said.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, in a joint statement today, had announced the new ceiling prices of the self-test kits.
The ceiling retail price of the self-testing kits will be fixed at RM19.90 from Sunday while wholesale prices would be set at a maximum of RM16.
Amrahi said the sudden announcement has made it impossible for pharmacies to clear their stocks using the old prices.
He questioned why a grace period wasn't given.
"In the absence of a grace period, the ministry must allow pharmacies to return stock that was purchased at higher prices or get the suppliers to subsidise the cost," he said.
Amrahi said the announcement was reminiscent of the ministry's announcement over the price controls for face masks, which he claimed was haphazardly done without due notice to stakeholders.
"As such, it would be best if the minister subsidises the self-test kits cost for community pharmacies. Alternatively, he should also call upon the suppliers to provide rebates for pharmacies."
Amrahi also noted that the authorities should also be aware that the logistic costs of sending self-test kits to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan remain high.
He said while MPS supported price-controls to make the kits more affordable, community pharmacists should be treated fairly.
He said the ministry must also focus on reducing illegal online sales of the Covid-19 self-test kits, which are against the Health Ministry's policies.
Amrahi added that enforcement should also be trained on non-community pharmacies and private healthcare facilities such as DIY stores and roadside shops that sell self-test kits and other medical related products.