Minister: Human insulin supplies enough until end of year, more coming

The Health Ministry still has enough human insulin supplies to last until at least the end of this year, said its minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He also assured the public that the shortage of the medication has not reached an alarming rate.

Speaking at a press conference in Putrajaya this morning, he said efforts are ongoing to replenish the supplies as soon as possible.

"No, it is not that kind of alarming scenario (like being reported) by some media.

"They (human insulin supplies) could last until the end of the year. We will continue to get from other suppliers (as well)," Dzulkefly said.

According to the minister, he has not heard of any patient on human insulin not being prescribed the medication.

It was reported that local health facilities were recently facing a shortage of human insulin.

Production disruption causing shortage

The ministry later clarified that production issues had caused the recent disruption in human insulin supply at its local facilities.

The ministry, however, assured that it has implemented several measures to ensure uninterrupted patient treatment, including increasing the use of insulin analogues and oral therapies, as determined by the clinical assessments of the treating physicians for each patient.

Adding further, Dzulkefly today said the shortage was caused by the failure of one of the Health Ministry’s suppliers to meet its contractual obligations.

However, despite the failure, he said the company has been told to work it out and provide human insulin, be it from their plant in Johor or by importing from overseas.

"Whatever it is, we do not want this shortage to disrupt patient care."

According to Dzulkefly, the ministry is also engaging other suppliers including from overseas and it will fast-track their registration applications to only 60 days instead of the normal process, which usually takes several months.

Separately, on the monkeypox situation, the minister said there has been no new confirmed cases since December last year.

As of Aug 25, the ministry has screened 31 people for suspected mpox, and of that 25 cases are negative while six are under surveillance, Dzulkefly said.

However, Dzulkefly said the health authorities are on high alert, especially at the country’s entry points.

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