MPS Urges Government To Expand SARA To Community Pharmacies

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) has urged the government to expand the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme to qualified community pharmacies nationwide under Budget 2027 to improve access to essential medicines and health products.

MPS in a statement today said the proposal would allow eligible recipients to use their SARA allocation for approved medicines, health products and other essential items through participating neighbourhood pharmacies.

The society said an Ipsos survey involving 1,000 SARA users found that 92 per cent of respondents wanted qualified community pharmacies to be included in the government aid network.

MPS said the findings also highlighted an accessibility gap, with 59 per cent of respondents reporting that they were unable to use their SARA allocation at their preferred outlet over the preceding year.

According to MPS, the main reasons included their preferred outlet not accepting SARA, the intended item being ineligible, or the SARA payment system not functioning.

MPS said 47 per cent of respondents who reported that some everyday essentials were not eligible under SARA identified medicines or health products among the essential items they purchased.

The society said expanding the SARA network to qualified community pharmacies could bridge the retail accessibility gap while bringing essential healthcare products closer to recipients.

“Community pharmacies offer more than an additional retail channel.

“They provide access to registered healthcare professionals who can advise consumers on the appropriate and safe use of medicines and health products,” MPS said, adding that it was ready to work with the government and relevant stakeholders to develop an appropriate framework for the participation of community pharmacies in SARA.

-- BERNAMA