Pharmaniaga is understood to have received several proposals from interested parties looking to take a stake and participate in the pharmaceutical company ’ s ongoing restructuring saga .

According to the sources , the interested parties include institutional funds , private equity firms and private entities interested in buying into Pharmaniaga at an attractive price , and to turn around the concessionaire which supplies generic drugs to public hospitals .

“ The reason for the interest in Pharmaniaga is because ‘ we are in the healthcare business ’,” said Beh .

Pharmaniaga slipped into Practice Note 17 company ( PN 17 ) status on Feb 27 . It suffered a hefty RM552.3 million impairment on unsold Covid-19 vaccines . It also wrote down the goodwill of its Indonesian manufacturing units of RM50.3 million .

The impairment of Covid-19 vaccines dragged the group to post the largest quarterly net loss of RM664.39 million , or loss per share of 49.19 sen in the fourth quarter , which ended Dec 31 , 2022 ( 4QFY2022 ).

This is in contrast to its net profit of RM85.48 million in 4QFY2021 . The huge losses in 4QFY2022 were despite the 21.22 per cent growth in quarterly

revenue to RM862.72 million quarter-on-quarter .

Since the beginning of the year , Pharmaniaga ’ s board has seen a spate of board changes . The first was the resignation of its nonindependent and non-executive Chairman Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Mohd Rafique and independent and non-executive director Datuk Dr Najmil Faiz Mohamed Aris .

It was followed by Datuk Zulkarnain Md Eusope redesignated as Pharmaniaga ’ s CEO , who later resigned from the position in March this year , while Zulkifli Jafar was redesignated as deputy CEO of Pharmaniaga .

Izaddeen Daud was redesignated as Pharmaniaga ’ s non-independent non-executive Chairman , while

Mohamed Iqbal Abdul Rahman was redesignated as Chief Operating Officer . Dr Abdul Razak Ahmad was redesignated as a senior independent non-executive director .

Meanwhile , Boustead Chief Reinvention and Strategy Officer Ahmad Shahredzuan Mohd Shariff was appointed as Pharmaniaga ’ s new non-independent nonexecutive director .

More recently , on May 8 , Pharmaniaga announced the resignation of anindependent and non-executive director Datuk Dr Azhar Ahmad , effective June 10 , 2023 .

The group is required to submit its regularisation plan to the relevant authorities by Feb 27 , 2024 .

HEALTH Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa tabled Malaysia ’ s commitment to digitalising the country ’ s healthcare system and adopting a data-based approach at the Commonwealth Health Ministers ’ Meeting ( CHMM ) in

Geneva , Switzerland on May 20 .

She said the commitment was expressed to improve the country ’ s health services standard .

“ The next session touched on matters related to preparedness to face pandemics , with special emphasis on promoting equality in the development of health products and technology ,” she said in a post on Facebook .

Dr Zaliha , who was in Geneva to attend the CHMM and the 76th World Health Assembly ( WHA ) said she also discussed the commitment of member countries to achieve Universal Health Coverage ( UHC ) by 2030 . She also emphasised the importance of primary health care in achieving UHC at the WHA from May 21 to 30 .

The Minister also called on Commonwealth Health Ministers to provide incentives in the form of tax structuring , Research and Development ( R & D ) funding as well as strategic collaboration with relevant stakeholders to promote the development of the local manufacturing industry in their respective countries .

IN A MOVE to foster community health and prevention , Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre ( BTMC ) and Subang Jaya Medical Centre ( SJMC ), both part of the Ramsay Sime Darby Healthcare ( RSDH ) group , have initiated a partnership with the Hokkien Association Klang .

Marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU ), this collaboration aims to provide health benefits and discounts to the association ’ s members , promoting health screenings for improved well-being . This agreement not only enhances healthcare access for the community but also deepens the relationship between the community and its healthcare providers .

“ The collaboration with the Hokkien Association Klang resonates with our mission to prioritise the health and well-being of our community , especially in Klang . We are proud to offer exceptional care and support through a diverse range of initiatives . Our ultimate aim is to create a lasting and transformative

impact on those we serve ,” said Jasmine Lau , CEO of BTMC .

Understanding the critical importance and commitment to women ’ s health , BTMC and SJMC have also joined hands with the Rose Foundation to empower women with knowledge and resources to protect themselves against cervical cancer .

Through this collaborative effort , the hospitals are extending a lifeline to underserved women , ensuring they have access to crucial screening services that can potentially save lives .

The community who visited the Hokkien Association Klang had an invaluable opportunity to partake in a comprehensive array of health screenings , encompassing vital assessments such as blood pressure , in-body analysis by a dietitian , a 3-point check , and adults and kids hearing test by an audiologist . The event also featured enlightening and insightful health talks delivered by specialist consultants . Dr Yew Kuan Leong , a Consultant Cardiologist of BTMC , captivated the audience on ‘ Care

for your Heart ’, while Dr SS Tan , Consultant Gastroenterologist of SJMC , shed light on the intriguing topic of ‘ A Woman ’ s Gut : Never Underestimate It ’. These engaging and educational sessions left a lasting impact , empowering attendees with the knowledge to take charge of their health and well-being .

“ We are delighted to be an integral part of this collaborative effort , as it perfectly aligns with our steadfast dedication to advancing community health . Our ultimate goal is to ignite a lasting change , inspiring

and empowering our community to embrace a holistic and healthy lifestyle ,” said Bryan Lin , CEO of SJMC .

Datuk Goh Ah Lek , President of Hokkien Association Klang , conveyed his appreciation for the collaboration . “ We sincerely thank BTMC and SJMC for partnering with us to organise this health programme for the community . It provided a wonderful opportunity for them to access free health screenings and engage in enlightening health talks . We hope to promote holistic wellness and foster a healthier community .” – The Health