Most Read
Most Commented
Read more like this
mk-logo
News
'Medicine still available for pensioners, just not via e-MASS'

The Public Services Department (PSD) did not issue a directive to Oratis Rx Sdn Bhd to stop supplying medicines and medical equipment to government retirees and Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) veterans and their dependents.

Oratis Rx Sdn Bhd said in a statement today, the supply of medicines and medical equipment to government retirees and veterans after Feb 27 was managed by the government and not via the Electronic Medical Automation Supply System (e-MASS).

"The contract for supply of medicines and medical equipment to federal government retirees and ATM veterans via e-MASS, which began on Jan 26, 2012, expired on Jan 27.

"However, this service has been extended as an interim measure until Feb 27, 2017," said the statement to clarify allegations that the PSD had stopped the supply of medicines and medical equipment to the group.

Following the expiry of the contract, an internal notice was sent to suppliers registered with Oratis to stop the supply of medicines and medical equipment via e-MASS, effective Feb 28.

Oratis said the notice was intended for internal circulation and not for the government retirees and ATM veterans.

"We apologise for the confusion and fully support the government's decision to improve the supply of medicines and medical equipment for retirees and ATM veterans," said the statement.

Via e-MASS, Oratis acted as intermediary between the PSD and federal government retirees for the supply of medicines and medical equipment not provided by government hospitals or clinics.

Patients could buy the medicines and medical equipment and then claim a refund by submitting the receipts to the PSD.

Yesterday, the PSD said the supply of medicines and medical equipment for federal government retirees and ATM veterans were not stopped, as per messages spread online.

The medicines and medical equipment are still available via prescription by government doctors at Health Ministry facilities and university hospitals.

- Bernama

ADS