Review proposed bill first, urges MDAEZ chief

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Dr Abdul Rashid gestures when singing ‘Burung Kakak Tua’ at the end of his speech.

SIBU: Malaysian Dental Association Eastern Zone (MDAEZ) hoped the new bill concerning pharmacies functioning separately from clinics would be further reviewed before tabling it in Parliament.

Its chairman, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan, said MDAEZ, which comprises Sabah and Sarawak, felt the proposed legislation might change the entire landscape of how medicine and dentistry in the country would be practised.

“As such, it is the right of the public and all stakeholders to be consulted and be involved in the discussions over this matter.

“We stand firm behind rules that benefit the society at large. Malaysia has been certified to have one of the best and affordable healthcare system in medicine and dentistry in the world by many bodies, including the World Health Organization.

“Enhancement and continued improvement of the current system and not implementation of a new Act may be a better idea than a radical overhaul of what is already good,” he said at the launching of the ‘3rd Sibu Oral Health Awareness Campaign’ at Sing Kwong Mall in Salim Road here yesterday.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh officiated at the function, which was organised by MDAEZ and Sibu Divisional Dental Office.

Dr Abdul Rashid said although Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam had made some announcement about reviewing the bill, the matter was still in the Attorney General’s Chambers, and thus classified as confidential.

“As such, the exact content is unknown. Most studies show we are not ready for its implementation and that it has to be declassified.”

He explained the proposed law would replace four existing laws: Poison Act 1952, Sales of Drug Act 1952, Medicine (Advertisement and Sale) Act 1956, and Registration of Pharmacy Act 1951.

“As such, it is called an Omnibus Bill or Pharmacy Bill, and dispensing separation is only one of the areas addressed. If the bill is implemented, it means patients have to see two separate personnel: dental personnel for treatment and go out for medicine at a pharmaceutical outlet.

“It will create an uncomfortable situation if the patient cannot move about and the availability is not there.”