Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak must intervene and lift the freeze in supplies of medicine and medical equipment to some 750,000 pensioners by private provider OratisRx, said DAP MP Lim Kit Siang.

He described the freeze, which began yesterday with only a 24-hour notice, as "unethical and cruel".

"Is this a sign that Malaysia is hurtling towards a failed state, with more and more systems breaking down, and in this case, exposing 750,000 pensioners to financial strain and worries during their retirement years?" Lim asked in a statement.

"Can Najib give both an answer and a solution within 24 hours?" he asked.

OratiRx had in a letter to private medical providers said it will halt supply of medication to government and armed forces retirees and their dependents. The retirees before this were supplied through the e-Mass system.

"OratixRx has been instructed via a letter from the Public Services Department on Feb 24, to halt all supply of medicine and medical equipment to pensioners and their dependents, through the e-Mass system, effective Feb 28.

"For your information any purchase orders scheduled for after Feb 27 is now canceled.

"Any claims for reimbursements for supply after Feb 27 is invalid and not the responsibility of OratisRx Sdn Bhd," the memo dated Feb 27 read.

Fulfill pledge

Lim recalled that Najib when launching the Government Pensioners' Foundation in April, 2015 said pensioners can "come to (him) if (they) need help".

"This is the time for the Najib to honour his pledge," the veteran MP said.

The government reportedly said the supply of medication was halted due to a glitch in the system, while Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah told Malaysiakini that pensioners can still obtain medicines from public hospitals.

Pensioners Retirements Fund Incorporated (Kwap) confirmed the halt in supply of medicine via e-Mass but could not provide further details.

It is understood that pensioners who obtain medicines from private providers can still seek reimbursement from the government.

However, the initial out of pocket payment may be too much for pensioners, especially if the reimbursements involve lengthy processing times.

Lim said this is because pharmacies at times have to wait up to 120 days before their claims are fulfilled.

He also urged the government to explain the sudden halt in supply from OratixRx and if another supplier will be appointed.