 FEATURED EXPERTLIM EN NI Chief Pharmacist Alpro Pharmacy |
In Malaysia, blood pressure monitoring devices are regulated by the Medical Devices Authority (MDA).
Only devices with a Certificate of Approval from MDA can be sold in the market and they are usually priced around RM100 to RM300 per unit.
A VIRAL CONCERN
In a recent viral video, a doctor raised concerns over faulty, low-quality blood pressure meters that are easily purchased online for as low as RM15, which gave inaccurate readings.
This could lead to potential risk of a public health emergency resulting from the dangers of the uncertified health monitoring devices.
Uncertified blood pressure meters often provide inconsistent or incorrect readings, leading to false perceptions of blood pressure levels,
As a result, users may end up making inappropriate adjustments to their medication without proper medical guidance.
PHARMACY CHAIN ISSUES CAUTION TO THE PUBLIC
Alpro Pharmacy cautions the public to be more vigilant when purchasing health monitoring devices, online and offline.
Here are a few ways the public can check if their blood pressure meters are registered:
- Verify the registration status of a device on the MDA’s website: https://mdar.mda.gov.my/frontend/web/index.php?r=carian (link opens in a new tab)
- Bring your blood pressure meter to a nearby community pharmacy for the pharmacist to have a look.
If a blood pressure monitor had been registered with the MDA, the MDA registration number (“nombor pendaftaran peranti perubatan”) will be displayed on the box. Click on the image for a larger, clearer version.
TURN TO CERTIFIED EXPERTS AND TRUSTED SOURCES
Alpro urge the public to seek professional advice from certified pharmacists or a medical practitioner prior to adjusting their medication dosage.
Self-diagnosis and straying from medication could put patients at an even higher risk of morbidity from their existing condition.
Similarly, other medical devices, such as blood pressure monitors, glucometers, and pulse oximeters, are also important. Regular check-ups with these devices help us monitor and manage our health conditions effectively.
These devices provide valuable insights into your well-being, allowing timely interventions and more informed discussions with healthcare professionals. Ensure that you purchase them from trusted sources to guarantee accuracy and reliability.
This is a press release from Lim En Ni, the Chief Pharmacist of Alpro Pharmacy. It has been edited for clarity.
