The maximum retail and wholesale prices for two COVID-19 vaccines, namely CoronaVac by Sinovac and Covilo by Sinopharm are capped effective today (January 15).
The capping of the maximum price of the vaccines under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 was announced by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi in a recent joint statement.
“The enforcement of this order will be implemented fully by the Pharmacy Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Health,” the joint statement highlighted.
The maximum retail price of CoronaVac Suspension for Injection SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cell) inactivated, with registration number, MAL21036010ARZ and MAL21046125ACSZ is RM77, while its wholesale price is capped at RM62 per dose.
As for COVILO Suspension for Injection COVID-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell) inactivated, with registration number, MAL21076098AZ, its maximum retail price is RM61 and the wholesale price is RM49 per dose.
The statement added that vaccine administration is free under the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK), however, the people can also obtain vaccination of their own choice by paying at private hospitals and clinics approved by the Ministry of Health.
According to the statement, the government found that the prices of vaccines offered by the private sector are still high and differ from one another. The rate could burden the people especially when the country is still facing the pandemic.
As such, the Ministry of Domestic Trade And Consumer Affairs and the Ministry of Health cooperated to implement the capping of the maximum prices to prevent the vaccines from being sold with an expensive price tag in the market.
“The capping of prices only involves vaccines registered with the Drug Control Authority of the Ministry of Health,” the statement mentioned.
The capping of maximum prices is made based on the import price and current market rate.
“The capped maximum retail price does not include service charges and charges for disposable items used during the injection of the vaccine,” the statement added.
The list and price of vaccines will be reviewed continuously based on assessment of the market situation and current demand.
It is mandatory for every private healthcare facility that has obtained government approval to offer private-purchase vaccination to display the prices of vaccines for the reference of members of the public in increasing information transparency.
“This way, members of the public can compare prices and obtain vaccines at a reasonable rate according to their choices.
Stern action will be taken towards individuals or companies who fail to abide by the rules set under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Consumers can channel complaints via the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) of the Ministry of Health: https://moh.spab.gov.my.
Rosli Mansor
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