According to a written reply by the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) published on the Dewan Negara (Senate) website on July 29, the health and economic costs associated with vaping-related illnesses significantly outweigh the 354.51 million MYR in excise duty collected from e-cigarette products between 2023 and June 11, 2026.
A report by BMI, a market research firm under Fitch Solutions, indicates that the focus of this policy is to increase the share of domestically produced medical products and establish a legal framework that prioritises essential medicines, especially generic drugs and biosimilars.
Under the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), private hospitals in Thailand must provide complete and accurate prescriptions listing drug names and usage details. This transparency allows patients to choose whether to buy their medicines directly from the hospital or from registered pharmacies outside.
The Manulife Asia Care Survey reveals that cancer is the standout health concern for people in Vietnam. Despite growing awareness of available treatments, rising healthcare costs alongside insufficient financial planning provide an obstacle to mental and financial well-being.
