KUCHING: Medicine shortages are primarily affecting well-known brands, and pharmacies have advised consumers to try other brands.
The issue was raised by Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, who said that the Ministry of Health must come up with a clear policy to address the situation.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to two pharmacies here for their thoughts.
According to Susan Ngang, owner of YES Pharmacy, the public should give other brands a chance as they are as effective as well-known brands.
Due to the pandemic and recent outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), she explained that “there is a shortage of well-known brands” for cough, flu, fever, and cooling patches in her store.
“In terms of medicine shortages, I would say they mostly involved well-known brands, but we are well-stocked in terms of general supplies and alternative medications, and we welcome the public to consult us.
“Other brands of medicine that we would recommend to our customers are just as effective as the well-known brands.
“Previously we were short on cough syrups due to the Omicron outbreaks, but stocks are slowly but surely returning,” Ngang explained.
She went on to say that there was no need to point fingers because “the country is going through a difficult time”, and she encouraged everyone to work together to recover from the Covid-19 ordeal.
PMG pharmacist Siaw Yee Sii shared Ngang’s concern, claiming that the shortages were only affecting well-known brands and that the public were wary of alternative brands.
“However, other brands are just as effective, and we usually advise our customers not to be concerned about such things.”
Furthermore, she stated that, in light of the recent HFMD outbreak, people would prefer well-known brands over store-brands.
“We’re all recovering from the pandemic,” she said, “and there’s no doubt there will be a shortage of branded medicines, which could be due to a lack of raw materials and production trying to keep up with demand.”
For more information, the public can contact YES Pharmacy at 016-609 0345 or PMG Pharmacy at 016-246 2267, or go to their nearest store for advice.
