KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Health will introduce a new generation drug to support diabetes and obesity patients among vulnerable groups under Budget 2026.
This initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance treatment for non-communicable diseases nationwide.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed the move follows continuous evaluations of the MOH Medicines Formulary.
He explained that a panel of experts regularly updates this formulary to ensure all medicines remain safe, effective, and cost-efficient. “In the budget, we are also introducing new treatments such as GLP-1, which have been proven effective in helping patients manage diabetes and lose weight,” he said during a Dewan Rakyat question-and-answer session. “These treatments will be prioritised for vulnerable groups facing health challenges related to diabetes and obesity.” Dr Dzulkefly responded to a supplementary question from Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan regarding subsidised essential medicines for chronic diseases.
He assured that generic medicines approved by the ministry demonstrate equivalent efficacy and safety through rigorous testing.
The minister also addressed initiatives to reduce the NCD burden through an integrated healthcare approach.
He revealed that over 1.36 million adults nationwide underwent health screenings under the National Health Screening Initiative and PeKa B40 scheme as of September 2025.
These screenings serve as early detection measures for non-communicable diseases among the population.
Dr Dzulkefly highlighted enhancements to primary care services, including virtual consultations recording 163,975 sessions by July 2025.
The ministry is expanding behavioural insights and nudging strategies in public health campaigns to promote sustainable lifestyle changes.
Key initiatives combat diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity through the Perang Atas Gula Campaign and NutriHub awareness corners in supermarkets.
The Malaysian Healthy Plate programme continues promoting the “suku-suku separuh” nutritional guideline through ongoing updates.
Dr Dzulkefly welcomed Budget 2026’s higher excise duties on cigarettes and alcoholic beverages effective November 1, 2025.
These fiscal measures support national NCD prevention efforts alongside clinical interventions and public health campaigns. – Bernama
