MPS Penang & MCPG Northern Engage in Dialogue with Penang Pharmacy Enforcement Division

📅 Date: 18 February 2025

📍 Venue: Penang Pharmacy Enforcement Division

The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) Penang and the Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild (MCPG) Northern Region recently participated in a dialogue session hosted by the Penang Pharmacy Enforcement Division. The session served as a platform for discussion on key issues affecting the pharmacy profession and enforcement matters.

Updates from the Pharmacy Enforcement Division

The session began with an update from the Pharmacy Enforcement Division, presenting the latest statistics and results of enforcement activities conducted across the state. This provided insights into regulatory actions taken against illegal practices, ensuring compliance within the pharmaceutical sector.

Key Concerns Raised by the floor

During the dialogue, MPS Penang Chairman, Mr. Tan Chee Pone, voiced several pressing concerns:

✅ Career Progression in the Government Sector – Addressing the limited career advancement opportunities for pharmacists in the public sector, highlighting the need for clearer pathways.

✅ Work Stress and Prescription Issues – Emphasizing the immense pressure faced by frontline pharmacists, particularly when handling prescription discrepancies and ensuring regulatory requirement.

✅ Online Sales of Health Products & Counterfeit Medicines – Urging stricter monitoring and enforcement against unauthorized online sales that compromise public health.

✅ Clarification on the Medicines (Advertisement & Sale) Act 1956 – Seeking guidance on the regulations regarding health-related advertisements, including what can or cannot be displayed in pharmacy settings and online platforms.

MCPG Northern Chairman, Dr. Tan Boon Seng, also raised critical industry concerns, including:

🔹 Amendments to Poisons Act (Group B & C Drugs) – He questioned the classification of certain medications, citing Celecoxib as example, given its superior safety profile regarding cardiovascular risk and gastrointestinal bleeding compared to other NSAIDs, it remains as a Poison B till date.

🔹 E-Prescription Platforms & Recognition by MOH – With multiple service providers claiming MOH recognition, community pharmacists are unclear on which platforms are officially approved. He urged for an official list from the Pharmaceutical Services Division to ensure compliance and proper verification.

🔹MCPG also raised concerns about the disposal of expired medications. Enforcement authorities clarified that expired medications must be managed by an agency approved by the Department of Environment (JAS) and licensed to handle SW404-classified pharmaceutical waste. MCPG also suggested exploring a collaborative disposal approach among pharmacies to reduce individual costs. However, as this involves logistical and financial considerations, it will require further discussion among stakeholders rather than direct enforcement involvement.

Clarifications from the Pharmacy Enforcement Division

The Enforcement Division provided key clarifications on the issues raised:

🔸 Counterfeit Medicines – The division will study the possibility of circulating a list of detected counterfeit medicines among community pharmacies to enhance awareness and vigilance.

🔸 Medicines (Advertisement & Sale) Act 1956 – The Head of Advertisement Control shared details on the criteria considered when screening advertisement applications, ensuring compliance with regulations.

🔸 Reclassification of Poisons – The enforcement team emphasized that reclassification efforts require a nationwide initiative from pharmacists, supported by the latest clinical reports to advocate for amendments.

🔸 E-Prescription Certification – Pharmacists can refer to the official list of Certification Authorities and Recognized Platforms at MCMC for verification.

🔸 Safety Alert of Counterfeit Medication - Enforcement Office will facilitate a connection between MCPG Northern, MPS Penang, and NPRA to ensure pharmacists receive timely alerts on counterfeit medications. This initiative aims to enhance awareness and keep pharmacy professionals informed about potential risks in the supply chain.

Strengthening Collaboration for a Better Future

The dialogue session was attended by Timbalan Pengarah Kesihatan Negeri(Farmasi), Pn. Noraini Binti Ab Kadir, who acknowledged the issues raised and emphasized the need for enhanced communication channels between the Enforcement Division, MPS Penang, and MCPG Northern.

Moving forward, all parties agreed to establish direct communication mechanisms to:

📌 Strengthen collaboration between community pharmacists and enforcement authorities

📌 Facilitate continuous engagement to address industry challenges

This constructive dialogue marks a significant step in bridging gaps between pharmacists and regulatory bodies, ensuring a safer and more efficient pharmacy landscape in Malaysia.

📢 Stay tuned for further updates as we work towards a stronger pharmacy profession together!