1Care Monopoly
23-Apr-2012
Only accredited pharmacies can dispense medicines under proposed scheme, sparking fears of higher healthcare costs
PETALING JAYA: The 1Care national healthcare scheme (1Care for 1Malaysia) will see “preferred” pharmacies appointed to dispense medicine.
Under the proposed scheme, general practitioners will prescribe medication and patients will have to buy them from accredited pharmacies.
The Malay Mail understands that a pharmaceutical chain and a multi-level marketing giant are in talks to obtain what critics say is a monopoly on the dispensation of prescription drugs, which may lead to costlier medications.
According to the policy, concept paper prepared by the Health Ministry, a Primary Health Care Trust (PHCT) will acquire healthcare services from pharmacies and dentists, among others.
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