Malaysia calls for WHO-led pooled medicine purchasing amid supply risks

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — In response to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions, Malaysia has proposed that the World Health Organisation (WHO) launch a pilot project for pooled medicine purchasing in the Western Pacific Region (WPRO). Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad urged this urgent action as the entire region grapples with critical challenges, including market uncertainty and heavy reliance on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) imports.

Speaking via a Facebook post, Dzulkefly emphasized that the initiative demands a deliberate shift toward tangible, measurable results to safeguard health systems. He proposed the project be implemented with selected medicines that exhibit healthy supplier competition and transparent needs. In support of this mechanism, Dzulkefly suggested the creation of an ASEAN Medicines Security Dashboard, which would serve as an early warning system by integrating pricing data with supply distribution, stock availability, and manufacturing capacity.

While he stressed that price monitoring alone is insufficient, Dzulkefly highlighted the need for a strategic manufacturing alliance through joint investment initiatives to address production gaps. To achieve this, he called for clear leadership from a lead country within the 2026-2030 Plan, including funding accountability and defined key performance indicators.

Domestically, Malaysia has institutionalized pooled procurement across health facilities, maintained a three-month medicine buffer stock, and spearheaded the ASEAN Drug Security and Self-Reliance (ADSSR) initiative. Malaysia remains committed to leveraging global health diplomacy platforms to ensure continuous treatment for its people.