Vital to ensure equitable access to medicines: Sim

By Jacqueline David

KUCHING: Equitable access to medicines remains one of the biggest challenges in global health, especially healthcare in rural and remote areas.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said research in pharmaceutical policy is therefore needed for the development and implementation of effective policies.

In this context he spoke of the need to balance innovation, cost, and access to medicine for all.

“This is especially true for low- and middle-income countries that still face challenges due to high costs, supply chain issues, and limited healthcare infrastructure,” said Dr Sim who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government

“We hope that this problem can be overcome through innovation with the help of big data and artificial intelligence to determine a customised treatment plan by analysing a person’s DNA to bridge the gap in access to new treatments at a lower cost,” he added.

Wee (centre) witnessing the collaboration of the conference between Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice led by Zaheer (second left) and BIPC organizing chairman, Dr Ting. Also in the picture, Nor Anizah (left) and Moses (right).

Dr Sim made these observations during the opening of the 1st Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice-Borneo International Pharmaceutical Conference (JOPP-BIPC) 2024, at the Borneo Cultures Museum here Saturday.

His speech was delivered by Kuching South City Council mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng.

Dr Sim said the conference is very much in line with the present situation in Sarawak, where the role of pharmacists in the advancement of healthcare is moving towards globalisation and the embracing of new technologies.

He said efforts have also been made to improve healthcare accessibility in rural and remote areas through the establishment of community clinics and mobile health units.

“These initiatives are crucial in bridging the gap between urban and rural healthcare services, ensuring that no one is left behind regardless of their location.

“It is acknowledged that access to healthcare is a fundamental right, and the government is dedicated to making sure that it reaches every corner of our state,” he said.

Dr Sim also reminded pharmacists to collaborate more closely and effectively within and beyond the pharmacy community to provide patient-centric and holistic care.

“I urge all of you to play active roles in aligning your practices, specifically towards improving the quality, accessibility and affordability of healthcare to meet the growing needs of your communities.

“Recent studies are focusing on evaluating the impact of different pricing models, such as value-based pricing, which ties the cost of a drug to the benefits it provides,” he said.

During this three-day conference attended by more than 200 domestic and international practitioners, nine topics related to healthcare and pharmaceuticals would be presented by local and international speakers from the United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan and Singapore.

Also present at the opening ceremony were Deputy Director of Health (Pharmacy) Sarawak Health Department, Nor Anizah Osman, Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice editor-in-chief, who is also the organising chair, Professor Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar, Dr Samuel Ting Chuo Yew and Stephen anak Moses.