KUALA LUMPUR, 06 November 2025: The Health Ministry (MOH) today launched the Empowering Patients Living with Diabetes (Erat Programme), a new national initiative designed to significantly improve diabetes care and promote self-management among Malaysians.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced the programme, developed in partnership with the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) and pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, aims to revolutionize support for the estimated 3.6 million adults in Malaysia living with the condition. The urgency is critical, as nearly half of those affected remain unaware of their diagnosis.
“The numbers are concerning. This tells us that we must act urgently and strategically to reach those at risk, strengthen prevention and ensure continuous care for those already diagnosed,” the Minister stated at the launch.
Pharmacists Lead Enhanced Care
The Erat Programme centers on leveraging the proven expertise of pharmacists within Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinics (DMTAC), a pharmacist-led service established in 2000.
Dr. Dzulkefly highlighted the pivotal role pharmacists play in DMTAC, providing close support in:
- Medication Adherence: Ensuring patients take their medicines correctly and safely.
- Lifestyle Guidance: Offering advice on diet and physical activity.
- Close Monitoring: Structuring follow-ups to assess progress and identify drug-related issues.
Local studies confirm the effectiveness of this approach, showing that patients under DMTAC achieve significant improvements in blood sugar control and overall outcomes compared to standard care. As of today, 402 MOH facilities nationwide provide DMTAC services.
The Minister noted that the Erat programme reflects the MOH’s strategic effort to transform health service delivery toward preventive, patient-centred primary care and empower citizens through greater health literacy.
