Private Medical Clinics Research Articles

A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study: Proportion of Authenticity and Complete Product Information of FarmaTag Hologram on Registered Pharmaceutical Products among Selected Mainstream Medicines’ Sellers in the State of Sabah (ProvoS)

FarmaTag Hologram is a two-dimensional QR code sticker that is required on all registered pharmaceutical products (RPP) in Malaysia. By scanning the QR code, the authenticity and product information of the hologram are displayed. However, FarmaTag holograms with incomplete product information may be susceptible to being misused by manufacturers/distributors/suppliers (MDS) for different pharmaceutical products, unregistered pharmaceutical products, or counterfeit products. In addition to misusing, these callous acts may lead to consumer distrust, doubt, and a lack of confidence in the authenticity of RPP. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among Selected Mainstream Medicines’ Sellers in the State of Sabah between January 2022 and September 2022 to evaluate the proportion of authenticity and complete product information of FarmaTag Hologram on registered pharmaceutical products (RPP) available among selected Mainstream Medicines’ Sellers (MMS) in the state of Sabah. The total sample size was 5048 registered pharmaceutical products. There was no formal sample size calculation performed because this was the first study to explore this topic. All samples being selected from MMS were authentic (100%), which included 31.7% (n = 1600) from private medical clinics, 18.8% (n = 948), from retail pharmacies, and 49.5% (n = 2500) from Non-Pharmacy Drug Stores (NPDS). However, only 268 (5.3%) samples were found to have complete product information. The findings of this study provide preliminary information to relevant authorities on the authenticity and complete product information of FarmaTag Hologram on registered pharmaceutical products among selected MMS in the state of Sabah.

A Study on the Relocation and Reconstruction of Private Medical Clinics in Areas Affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake

A Study on the Relocation and Reconstruction of Private Medical Clinics in Areas Affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake

The effectiveness of group therapy based on acceptance and commitment on reducing stress and depression symptoms of mothers of children with separation anxiety disorder

Aim: This research was conducted with the main purpose of determining the effectiveness of group therapy based on acceptance and commitment on reducing stress and depression symptoms of mothers of children with separation anxiety disorder. Method: The statistical population of the current research includes all mothers of children suffering from separation anxiety disorder in 2021 who referred to private medical clinics in Babol city. For sampling, a non-probability sampling method based on the purpose was used and according to the type of research, 20 mothers who had anxious children were selected (10 in the experimental group and 10 in the control group). And they participated in 8 2-hour sessions for two months starting from the 24th of April and ending on the 11th of June. The tools used are: Beck's 21-question depression questionnaire with Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.78; Perceived stress scale by Cohen (1983) with Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.86 was used. In order to analyze the data, after collecting the data, it was recorded in the computer under the SPSS24 program and descriptive statistics, which included the frequency distribution and percentage, were used, and in the inferential statistics section, in order to find the effectiveness of the research components from Analysis of covariance test was used. Results: The results indicate that group therapy training based on acceptance and commitment to mothers of children suffering from separation anxiety disorder reduces depression and the effect size is (0.887); Perceived stress becomes the effect size (0.723). Conclusion: Group therapy based on acceptance and commitment can reduce depression and stress of mothers of children with separation anxiety disorder

СТРАТЕГИИ И DIGITAL-ИНСТРУМЕНТЫ ИНТЕРНЕТ- МАРКЕТИНГА, ИСПОЛЬЗУЕМЫЕ ДЛЯ ПРОДВИЖЕНИЯ КОММЕРЧЕСКИХ МЕДИЦИНСКИХ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЙ

The article deals with the problems of management of commercial medical organizations in the context of promoting their medical services based on the use of strategies relevant to medical institutions implemented through digital tools of Internet communication interaction with real and potential consumers. In the current conditions of growing digitalization of all spheres of society, it is already difficult to imagine the process of providing services, including medicine, without interaction via the Internet. At the same time, the real efficiency of traditional offline channels is falling, giving way to online space, and only those companies that have been able to adapt to the harsh market realities “survive”. In this regard, the author identified the most suitable promotion strategies for medical organizations and the corresponding digital tools. And also taking into account various Russian and Western research, publications on this topic and modern experience, the researcher proposed an effective strategy for medical organization promotion based on Internet marketing tools, which were tested in one of the private medical clinics in Voronezh. The presented strategy can be used with certain transformations by other commercial medical institutions and enterprises of beauty industry.

Compliance of Private Primary Health Care Facilities Towards Requirements of Labelling of Dispensed Medicine in Sarawak.

Compliance towards the requirements of labelling of dispensed medicine (LDM) among private primary health care facilities ensures appropriate use of medicines. This study aimed to examine the rate of compliance towards the requirements of LDM among retail pharmacies (RPs) and private medical clinics (PMCs). A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2019 to January 2020 across all inspected premises in Sarawak. Publics who attended RPs and PMCs and have medicines dispensed have their medicine labels examined for compliance with the requirements of LDM upon exiting the premises. Their verbal consents were obtained and the compliance score was recorded into self- -developed data collection forms. The compliance rate was the percentage of requirements on the examined medicine labels that fulfill the requirements under Regulation 12 of Poisons Regulations 1952. A total of 414 LDM were examined, with 135 from RPs and 279 from PMCs. The full compliance towards the requirements of LDM among RPs and PMCs were 23.7% and 41.6%, respectively. The median compliance score of PMCs (0.83) was significantly higher (P<0.001) than RPs (0.67). The requirements of LDM with the lowest compliance were name of medicine (53.1%), followed by name of patient (31.9%) and date of dispensing (25.6%). The full compliance rate on the requirements of LDM among RPs and PMCs were low. More stringent enforcement and public education on their rights for fully compliant medicine labels could improve the compliance.

Epidemiology and evaluation of adverse drug reactions in a Korean hospital database for spontaneous reports in the period 2009 to 2018.

To evaluate the epidemiology of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the Korean population and to identify their characteristics and factors affecting their severity. The analysis was based on the ADRs reported to the Seoul National University Hospital between 2009 and 2018. Statistical assessment (SPSS Statistics 25) included frequency analysis and the χ2-test. Risk factors were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Results were considered significant at p< 0.05. A total of 44,122 cases were analyzed of which 24,801 (56.2%) cases concerned females and 19,321 (43.8%) males. A total of 47% of cases involved persons aged between 50and79 years. Antineoplastic agents, immunomodulating agents, and systemically administered anti-infective agents accounted for 57.6% of all drugs reported. Gastro-intestinal system disorders accounted for the largest proportion (25.8%) of adverse drug reactions reported. A total of 3,429 (7.8%) ADRs were reported as being in the category severe. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk of an ADR being reported as severe is higher in males than in females (OR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.16-1.35), and higher in those aged 0-4 years (OR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.46-2.08), in those aged 5-19 years (OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.07-1.31), and in those aged 65 years and over (OR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.16-1.37), compared to those aged 20-64 years. From a public health perspective, ADRs are important because they are preventable. Important determinants, such as differences in specific age groups and drug classes, for the occurrence of ADRs and the occurrence of severe ADRs in particular, were identified. These determinants need to be carefully monitored in both private medical practices, clinics and hospitals. This monitoring of specific groups will involve close attention factors associated with gender, age group, and drug classes.

Epidemiological assessment of the most common cancers among urban and rural male populations

According to the who data, lung cancer (lc) is the most common cancer (nearly 13,0 %) and prostate cancer (pc) is the second most common cancer (11,0 %) in men worldwide. In the chelyabinsk region, pc has been the most common cancer since 2019, accounting for 18,3 % of all cancer cases in males, and lc has become the second most common cancer, accounting for 6,8 %.The purpose of the study was to evaluate the epidemiological situation in terms of the most common cancers (lc and pc) in a male population of rural municipal areas in the constituent entity of the Russian Federation.Material and methods. The incidence and mortality of lung and prostate cancers were analyzed in 1020 males from five rural municipal districts of the chelyabinsk Region, territorially included in the magnitogorsk oncological cluster. Data were obtained from the population cancer Registry of the chelyabinsk Region for 2010–2019.Results. Over a ten-year period, the average detection rates for lc and pc were 103.59 ± 3.28 and 50.75 ± 4.86, respectively per 100,000 men in rural municipal areas. The average 1-year mortality rates from lc and pc were 59.33 ± 2.14 % and 21.11 ± 2.89 %, respectively. The average overall lc mortality was 85.44 ± 5.1 deaths per 100,000 men and the average overall pc mortality was 23.04 ± 1.26 deaths per 100,000.Discussion. The rates of the 1-year mortality from lc and pc, as well as the rates of the overall mortality from lc in men of rural municipal areas were higher than those in urban areas, demonstrating the tendency to increase.Conclusion. To ensure access to oncology medicine for patients in rural areas, private medical oncology clinics are involved on the basis of public-private partnership.

Methods of increasing the efficiency of the procurement process in private medical clinics

The main purpose of the work is to study the experience of a certain company in the field of improving the efficiency and modernizing the procurement process. The tasks of the study include the assessment of the implementation of a new accounting system for the organization in the field of accounting, reporting and procurement, as well as the analysis of the functioning of the company’s own electronic trading platform. The tasks were solved on the basis of general scientific research methods, in particular, a comparative analysis of the aspects of the company’s performance before and after the introduction of the new procurement system was carried out, and a graphical interpretation of the results obtained was given. The subject of the research is the possible methods and ways to improve the efficiency of the procurement process. As an example, the activity of the Russian network of private clinics “AO Group of Companies “Medsi” is used. The company strives to continuously improve in all areas of the business. Thus, several years ago, “Medsi” began transforming the procurement sector. First, a new accounting system was introduced in the field of accounting, bookkeeping and procurement, then the company transferred the auction to its own electronic trading platform. These changes made it possible to achieve the desired result: shortening the lead time, reducing administrative and operational costs, optimizing the electronic trading process. The company’s experience can be useful for other participants in the procurement process in the context of digitalization and automation of the modern economy.

Russia’s Private HealthCare Market: A Marketing Specialist’s Point of View

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the marketing innovations of private medical clinics as a significant internal driver of the transformation and development of Russia’s private health care market. The latter is manifested in the rapid spread of professional practices, new formats, business models, and value propositions. This directly affects the structure and volume of the nongovernmental health care services sector. Product innovations, which are the basis for the value propositions and positioning of medical clinics, form new segments in the private health care market. The author highlights market trends in innovative product categories: multiple products, highly specialized medical services and medical social care, the accessible-clinic format, anti-aging medicine, and painless dentistry with elements of gamification.

МОНИТОРИНГ И ОЦЕНКА СТРУКТУРНЫХ ИЗМЕНЕНИЙ В СЕГМЕНТЕ ПРЕМИАЛЬНЫХ МЕДИЦИНСКИХ УСЛУГ НА РЕГИОНАЛЬНЫХ РЫНКАХ РОССИИ: АНАЛИЗ, ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ

The research materials consider the possibility and feasibility of introducing a company specializing in premium medical care to the markets of large regional cities. A practical example will be the project of opening a regional branch of JSC “EMC” in Yekaterinburg. The vast majority of large private medical clinics providing the most expensive and high-quality medical services are focused on the markets of Moscow and St. Petersburg, although at the moment access to medical services is significantly difficult in the regions of Russia. Regional integration of private medical companies will potentially improve the standard of living of affluent residents of regional cities, expand access to medical care and bring profit.

Evaluation of Number of Virulence Factors and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Pseudomonas ‎aeruginosa isolated from wound and burn infections in Samarra city

Wound and burn infections is one of the serious problems that patients suffer from in hospitals, since the bacteria that cause wound and burn infections usually have resistance to most of the commonly used antibiotics.&#x0D; The current study aimed to isolate and diagnose Pseudomonas aeruginosa from patients with burn and wound infections in Samarra City and to test the sensitivity of the isolates to commonly used antibiotics and the production of virulence factor by these isolates.&#x0D; Swabs were taken from 110 patients attending Samarra General Hospital and some private medical clinics at Samarra who suffer from wound and burn infections. Twenty two isolates of P. aeruginosa were obtained with an isolation rate of 20%.&#x0D; Production of some virulence factors by P. aeruginosa were detected, and the percentage was as follows:- The DNase at 0%, haemolysin at 81.8%, lecithinase &amp; lipase at 100%, and urease at 81.8%.&#x0D; A sensitivity test was conducted for (12) antibiotics, whereby P. aeruginosa gave ‎complete resistance to Erythromycin, Trimethoprim - sulfamethoxazole, and ‎Ceftriaxone, and the bacteria showed that it is susceptible to both Tobramycin ‎antibiotics, and Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, and Imepineme, also showed varying resistance ‎to the other antibiotics.‎

Agente conversacional para consultas sobre servicio médico en una clínica privada

For this analysis, the total of 17 private medical service clinics registered in (INEC, 2014), of the Ambato-Ecuador, which were subjected to an analysis through registration cards, called a structured instrument applied directly to each private clinic, to objectively establish the evaluations achieved by each one, as well as the technological variables of the services of each one. The trend of companies and organizations reinforce their strategies, methods and tools to efficiently reach their customers in order to satisfy them, be they industrial or service. With this current context, 85 percent of consumers look for information on the internet before making a purchase or acquiring a service. The research shows the limited use or ignorance of the (technology) in a conversational agent or digital platforms that allow interaction with the patient, rapid response capacity, optimizing opportunities and experiences in real time. With all the above, implementing a conversational agent directly results in a competitive advantage for those who apply it, therefore the implementation proposal based on 6 phases: analysis of the potential client, selection of the software provider, selection of messaging platform, configuration, training and Proposed evaluation has as potential clients all the people who need medical attention, whether in a public or private health entity

Innovation and entrepreneurship in Catalan private laboratories: origins and rise of Grifols Lab (1880-1955)

Studying the evolution of private medical clinics is extremely useful in understanding the history of the Catalan healthcare system where, from the 19th century onwards, a Marshallian atmosphere of flows of knowledge, people and technology has resulted in close connections between the public and private practice of modern medicine. The history of the Grifols Laboratories, from 1880 to the 1950s, is a relevant case study in this context, as it highlights patterns that were repeated in other medical laboratories in Catalonia a century ago. But Grifols is also particularly interesting both because of its survival and evolution to this day, and for its curation of its own historical archive.This article aims to understand how a small laboratory in the healthcare district of Barcelona built its scientific foundations on laboratory medicine during the early 20th century, and finally changed its business strategy because of the Spanish Civil War, becoming a family pharmaceutical company. The sources are documents from the Grifols archive and interviews with managers at the company. The findings highlight the importance of interdisciplinary analysis, suggesting that both scientific and business adaptations by successive generations are equally important in explaining the success of Grifols Laboratories. Science-based family firms that endure over time not only acquire specialised knowledge to compete in the market, but also knowledge about transferring entrepreneurship in the long term. In Grifols case, knowledge from younger generations was crucial to adapting their activity, first to a changing scientific paradigm and then to a precarious national market.

T2 protect AD: Achieving a rapid recruitment timeline in a multi‐site clinical trial for individuals with mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundPreservation or improvement in cognition in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a public health priority. In 2018, there were 30 drugs in phase II and III AD trials1, increasing to 50 in 20192. However, AD trial recruitment is oft‐cited as slowing down research advancements3,4. The T2 Protect AD Trial (T2), is a multi‐site, randomized, placebo controlled, 52‐week trial testing troriluzole, a glutamate modulator. T2 was designed as a proof of concept clinical trial with an estimated sample size of 336 participants.MethodT2 is coordinated by the ADCS, and includes 44 US academic and private medical clinics specialized in AD research, treatment, and care. The trial (NCT03605667) includes participants with mild‐to‐moderate AD, 50‐85 years old, stable on AD medication(s), with MMSE 14‐24 and MRI findings consistent with AD. There are no AD biomarker inclusion criteria. The trial recruitment toolkit included flyers, brochures, press release, FAQ, infographics, video, and a website. The recruitment budget was divided between the central ADCS effort and individual sites. The ADCS effort included creative design services, social media outreach, telephone prescreening, development of news stories, and advertising placement.ResultSites screened 736 individuals, randomizing 350. Fourteen sites exceeded their enrollment goal of 10 participants and the top two sites randomized 25 and 20 participants. 98% of participants were randomized during an intensively supported 10‐month rapid recruitment period, that was initiated when 21/44 sites were actively recruiting (Figure). The randomization rate, defined as the number randomized, divided by the number of active site recruitment months, ranged from 0 (1 site) to 4.0 per month, with an overall rate of 0.87 per month. Sites enrolled 75% of the cohort through their existing site recruitment infrastructure, including waiting lists and internal referrals. 25% came from news media reports, paid advertising, word‐of‐mouth, and outside physician/organizational referrals. Social media advertising was not a significant source of participants.ConclusionThis trial in mild‐to‐moderate AD achieved among the highest site recruitment rates reported in ADCS investigational new drug trials in the last 20 years. Its success was primarily achieved through site network resources, however central recruiting efforts contributed significantly.

PDG24 Private Primary Care Health Clinics in Malaysia and Uncontrolled Drug Pricing: Employer Health Insurance Coverage for Sustainable Reimbursement Drug Policy

Abstract Objectives Uncontrolled drug pricing in private health clinics in Malaysia leads to high costs of drug prices whilst the impact on drug use against employee medical coverage are uncertain. The study examined patterns of drug utilization and drug pricing among private medical clinics in Malaysia. The sufficiency of coverage by employer of up to RM 45(USD 10.58) per outpatient clinic visit was also investigated. Methods This retrospective study was conducted among International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) community who sought outpatient treatment from IIUM panel clinics serviced by general practitioners(GPs) from January 2016 to September 2019. Prescription data (type of drug, dose, quantity, duration, price for each drug and its manufacturer) and patient characteristics (age, gender, and diagnosis) were extracted from PMCare Claim Database (insurance company managing IIUM medical claims). Patterns of common drugs prescribed, drug pricing, profit margins and total charges (drug price and consultation fees) per clinic visit were measured. Results In total, 161146 prescriptions were prescribed for 10150 patients (IIUM community) during the study period (48.85% female, mean age 26.33 ±SD 17.63). The most common drug prescribed was paracetamol (25.3%) followed by chlorpheniramine (9.46%), cetrizine (7.3%), diphenhydramine.(6.13%), loratadine (4.57%) and diclofenac (4.36%), Generic paracetamol 500mg serves as a prime example, commonly sold between RM 5.00 and RM 10.00 for 10 tablets, profiteering between 2400% to 4900% calculated based on an average cost price of 0.20/10 tablets. Majority of patients were charged within the approved coverage of ≤RM 45. Only 2.41% of patients were afflicted with the exceeded coverage (>RM 45). Conclusions Uncontrolled drug pricing in private health system in Malaysia has resulted in various ranges of drug prices primarily with high profit margins. The current maximum allowable coverage for outpatient treatment for IIUM employees @RM45/clinic visit may be revised pending on the availability of further evidence. Keywords: Private Primary Care, Malaysia, Drug Pricing, IIUM, Medical Insurance Coverage Acknowledgement CZ was supported by a research grant from The Ministry of Education Malaysia (Fundamental Research Grant Scheme, FRGS 19-010-0618) and IIUM Health Wellness.

Рынок частной медицины в России: взгляд маркетолога

&lt;span&gt;В статье анализируются маркетинговые инновации частных медицинских клиник как значимый внутренний драйвер трансформации и развития рынка частной медицины в России. Последняя проявляется в высокой скорости распространения профессиональных практик и новых форматов деятельности, бизнес-моделей и ценностных предложений, что напрямую влияет на структуру и объем сектора негосударственных медицинских услуг. Продуктовые инновации, являющиеся основой для ценностного предложения и позиционирования медицинских клиник, формируют новые сегменты рынка частной медицины. Авторы выделили следующие направления формирования инновационных продуктовых категорий на исследуемом рынке: мультипродукты, высокоспециализированные медицинские услуги и медико-социальный уход, формат «доступная клиника», антивозрастная медицина, стоматология без боли с элементами геймификации.&lt;/span&gt;

Regulation of Stem Cell Technology in Malaysia: Current Status and Recommendations.

Stem cell technology is an emerging science field; it is the unique regenerative ability of the pluripotent stem cell which scientists hope would be effective in treating various medical conditions. While it has gained significant advances in research, it is a sensitive subject involving human embryo destruction and human experimentation, which compel governments worldwide to ensure that the related procedures and experiments are conducted ethically. Based on face-to-face interviews with selected Malaysian ethicists, scientists and policymakers, the objectives and effectiveness of the current Guideline for Stem Cell Research and Therapy (2009) are examined. The study's findings show that the guideline is rather ineffective in ensuring good ethical governance of the technology. A greater extent of unethical conduct is likely present in the private medical clinics or laboratories offering stem cell therapies compared with the public medical institutions providing similar services, as the latter are closely monitored by the governmental agencies enforcing the relevant policies and laws. To address concerns over malpractices or unethical conduct, this paper recommends a comprehensive revision of the current stem cell guideline so that adequate provisions exist to regulate the explicit practices of the private and public stem cell sectors, including false advertising and accountability. The newly revised Malaysian stem cell guideline will align with the Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation (2016) of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) containing secular but universal moral rules. However, a regulatory policy formulated to govern the technology remains the main thrust of empowering the guideline for compliance among the stakeholders.

Опыт использования методов неконвенциональной медицины в медицинском центре г. Якутска (кейс-стади)

В статье рассматривается опыт использования традиционных медицинских систем (тибетской и китайской медицины) российскими и иностранными специалистами в Якутии на примере одного из специализированных центров в г. Якутске — Центра комплементарной медицины и спа «Канти». Сделан сопоставительный анализ особенностей функционирования неконвенциональной медицины в Якутии и Туве. Материалы статьи подаются в виде ситуации (определенного кейса), которую автор проанализирует с разных точек зрения. Источниковая база: полевые материалы автора, собранные в 2017 г. в г. Якутске. Респондентами выступили руководитель центра и один из его врачей. Привлекаются материалы СМИ, анализируется нормативно-правовая база.Сегодня в Якутске работает 25 частных медицинских клиник и центров, большинство из которых многопрофильные. В центре «Канти» работают 20 штатных сотрудников и 8 совместителей, в том числе 9 врачей и 7 специалистов со средним медицинским образованием. Центр имеет лицензии по 10 видам профессиональной деятельности. Внедряются элементы комплементарной медицины: китайская, тибетская медицина, аюрведа и др., которые пользуются спросом у населения Якутии. Приведены биографии практикующих врачей, описаны методы работы. Популярность интегративных клиник в г. Якутске автор связывает с малой доступностью качественной бесплатной медицинской помощи, рекламой в СМИ, доверием к практике восточной медицины и наличием ее в местных центрах.Предлагаемые услуги неконвенциональной медицины в Якутии ориентированы исключительно на федеральную правовую базу, в отличие от Республики Тыва. В Туве в настоящее время учтены потребности местного населения в использовании традиционной и народной медицины, духовного целительства — введен дополнительный подзаконный акт о применении «народной медицины» (согласно статье 50 Закона об охране здоровья граждан РФ). Такие законодательные уточнения рассматриваются как важные элементы конструирования системы здравоохранения в различных регионах РФ.

Appropriateness of task of public health doctors in South Korea.

Public health doctors (PHDs) in South Korea serve the medically underserved region of South Korea as part of national service duty, but their number has declined in recent years (due to changes in the medical education system). Therefore, there is an increasing need to deploy PHDs efficiently. Consisting of 2138 medical doctors of different specialties, they serve as both primary care physicians and public health experts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the appropriateness of tasks of PHDs in South Korea. Of the 2138 PHDs invited, 1015 participated in the survey. Most PHDs performed primary care and vaccination duties (96.8% and 85.8%). PHDs evaluated the appropriateness of tasks and number of PHDs as above the midpoint of a five-point Likert scale (3.5&plusmn;1.1 and 3.4&plusmn;1.1). The majority of offices were located within 5 km of private clinics and hospitals (72.7% and 45.2%). PHDs on remote islands highly value the validity and deployment needs of PHDs, while PHDs in close proximity to private clinics or hospitals give a low score. This suggests that there is a need to more efficiently deploy PHDs depending on local characteristics and the presence or absence of nearby private medical clinics and hospitals.

Unregistered Medical Products Detected by Malaysia’s Pharmacy Enforcement Division During Routine Inspection: A Cross-Sectional Study among Selected Mainstream Medicines’ Retailers in the State of Sarawak

Globally, substandard and falsified medical products (SFMPs) have been a major public health concern, and can be devastating to patients’ safety. In Malaysia, the detection of unregistered medical products (UMPs) by the Pharmacy Enforcement Division (PED) officers among mainstream medicines’ retailers (MMR), aims to curb the distribution of SFMP to the public. This study explored the UMP detected by PED officers during routine inspections among the MMR that were sampled for the screening of UMP. The MMR include private medical clinics (PMCs), retail pharmacies (RPs) and non-pharmacy drug stores (NPDS). This was a retrospective cross-sectional study that gathered the relevant information using a data collection form, from the routine inspection reports (RIRs) of the MMR in Sarawak throughout the year 2016. Of the 361 PMCs, 242 RPs and 894 NPDS that underwent routine inspection during the study period, a total of 20 PMC, 23 RP and 43 NPDS were selected by the senior PED officer in charge of the inspection unit to undergo screening of UMPs and were included for the purpose of this study. The top 10–12 MP, which were commonly used and had high turnover, based on the sales record of every premises, were sampled. The methods used to detect UMP were through the searching of online product registration database “QUEST 3”, the vetting of the Meditag™ Hologram (MH) using its decoder and the vetting of the MH serial numbers through Meditag Online Ordering System. Data analyses were conducted with SPSS V20.0. From the 86 premises selected for screening of UMPs, a total of 888 MPs were sampled and recorded into RIR. It was found that 4 out of 888 (0.45%) samples were UMP. Each the UMPs were found in NPDS. In term of types of the UMP found, two were traditional medicines, one was a controlled medicine and one was an over-the-counter medicine. The findings of this study provide preliminary information to relevant authorities on the UMPs detected by PED officers during routine inspections among selected MMRs.