Ministry sets up special task force to secure medicine, medical device supply amid global risks

Dr Dzulkefly chairing a briefing session for Friends of Ministry (FoM) in Putrajaya May 4, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 5: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is stepping up measures to ensure the nation’s supply of medicines and medical devices remains secure amid growing uncertainties in the global supply chain by establishing the Special Task Force on Drug and Medical Device Security as the main control centre to monitor, coordinate and respond to potential disruptions.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the move is part of a proactive strategy to safeguard national healthcare resilience in the face of escalating global challenges, including raw material shortages, energy crises, rising logistics costs, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

“The task force will function as a nerve centre, carrying out real-time data audits and strengthening coordination across agencies to ensure swift and effective responses to any supply chain risks, including diversifying procurement sources from international markets,” he said in a post shared on his social media after chairing a briefing session for Friends of Ministry (FoM) in Putrajaya yesterday (May 4).

To further enhance preparedness, MOH has activated an early warning mechanism requiring suppliers to report any potential medicine shortages at least six months in advance, effective July 2026.

This system is aimed at allowing the ministry to respond early and prevent disruptions in patient care.

Dr Dzulkefly said the government remains firmly committed to ensuring a stable and continuous supply of essential medicines, particularly critical frontline drugs, with buffer stock levels maintained to last more than 60 days.

On medical devices, he said the Medical Device Authority (MDA) has established strategic cooperation with authorities in China to stabilise the supply of key raw materials such as resin and naphtha, which are vital for local manufacturers.

“A ‘Special Access Pathway’ is also in place to expedite the entry of urgently needed medical equipment to ensure uninterrupted operations in operating theatres and hospitals nationwide.

“The Ministry of Health, through a whole-of-government approach, will continue strengthening the resilience of our health system so that every plan is translated into swift and orderly action on the ground,” he said, adding that these efforts are crucial to ensure patients remain protected from global supply shocks. — DayakDaily