Johor Health Dept to ensure adequate supply of penfill insulin

JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 3  -- The Johor State Health Department (JKN) is working to ensure an adequate supply of penfill insulin for diabetic patients at hospitals and health clinics in the state.

State Health, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar said the current supply disruption was due to problems faced by the manufacturer, Biocon Sdn Bhd which affected all government hospitals in country.

“The Ministry of Health (MOH) has taken note of this, as the purchase of penfill insulin is under a central contract fully handled by MOH.

"As of Dec 5, 2019, the Johor JKN has not received its purchase of penfill insulin comprising 57,695 boxes (five penfills per box) worth RM1.82 million," he said in a statement today.

Mohd Khuzzan said this in response to a Facebook post which claimed there were complaints from the public in Segamat, especially diabetic patients who were directed to buy their own syringes and needles from pharmacies, due to the lack of penfill insulin at the hospital.

“Johor JKN is aware of the complaint. Insulin can be supplied in a variety of ways including vials and penfills.

"Insulin which is supplied in vials typically requires patients to use disposable syringes and needles for each dose, while insulin provided in a penfill requires patients to assemble the device provided free of charge, with only having to buy the needles," he said.

Mohd Khuzzan said hospitals across Johor had also taken certain proactive measures, such as borrowing stock from other hospitals, as well as purchasing insulin in vials to meet patients’ needs.

He said it was a short-term initiative while waiting for the outstanding supply from contractors, CCM Pharmaceuticals Sdn Bhd and Biocon Sdn Bhd, which have assured that delivery would be made from February.

“We (Johor JKN) will do our best to ensure the insulin supply to patients is not disrupted. Patients may contact the Johor State Pharmacy Services Division at 07-2355120 for more information,” he added.

-- BERNAMA